Vaccine-preventable diseases still exist throughout the world. While we might not see some of these diseases every day, they are still common in other countries. The United Arab Emirates being an international hub for business and tourism is always at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases owing to the transient nature of its society. Without an efficient and inclusive immunization policy, the relatively small number of cases we encounter in the UAE could very quickly become tens or hundreds of thousands of people infected with diseases. Even if your family does not travel internationally, you and your family could come into contact with travellers anywhere in your community. When people don’t receive all of the recommended vaccinations and are exposed to a disease, they can become seriously sick and spread it through their community.
The following is basic information regarding vaccines and its availability in the UAE.
What is the vaccination schedule in Dubai?
Immunisation schedules are different depending on where you live in the world. This is because in some areas the risk of getting certain infections is higher; for example, the risk of getting TB in the UAE is higher than in many countries in Europe, so it’s recommended for all babies to immunised against TB in the first few days of birth.
The Dubai Health Authority introduced the first comprehensive immunisation services policy for the Emirate of Dubai in January 2012. This was updated in September 2015 as follows:
AT BIRTH
Hepatitis B
2 MONTHS
Hexavalent vaccine (DTaP, Hib, IPV, Hepatitis B) 1st dose
PCV (Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) 1st dose
Rotavirus vaccine* 1st dose
4 MONTHS
Hexavalent vaccine (DTaP, Hib, IPV, Hepatitis B) 2nd dose
PCV (Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) 2nd dose
Rotavirus vaccine* 2nd dose
6 MONTHS
Hexavalent vaccine (DTaP, Hib, IPV, Hepatitis B) 3rd dose
PCV (Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) 3rd dose
Rotavirus vaccine* 3rd dose
12 MONTHS
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) 1st dose
Varicella (Chickenpox) 1st dose
15 MONTHS
PCV 4th dose (booster)
18 MONTHS
Hexavalent vaccine (DTaP, Hib, IPV, Hepatitis B) 4th dose (booster)
MMR 2nd dose
5 – 6 YEARS OLD
DPT / OPV booster
Varicella (Chickenpox) booster
OPTIONALS (given at private clinics)
Meningococcal
Typhoid
Hepatitis A
Influenza vaccine
* Rotarix – 2 doses
Rotateq – 3 doses
This article hopes to impart one message. VACCINATION SAVES LIVES. Please visit your health care professional and vaccinate your child today.
—
Romulo M. Dimarucut, MD, DPPS | Specialist Paediatrician
Diplomate, Philippine Paediatric Society
Amber Clinics
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