The UAE’s National Immunization Program has been instrumental in establishing the country’s world-class public health services. Since its inception in 1980, the program has led to a significant decrease in the prevalence of infectious diseases.
In 2004, the UAE was officially declared polio-free, and other diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, and pertussis have also seen a notable decline. To uphold the country’s exceptional public health standard, the UAE provides free immunization services to all residents.
Children must receive vaccinations starting from birth and continuing through grade 11.
The latest enhancements to the immunization program have included the introduction of a meningitis vaccine for Grade 11 students. The administration of polio drops at four months has been halted.
The fourth Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) given to children at 15 months in Dubai and 18 months in Abu Dhabi and other emirates has also been discontinued.
Here is a list of the diseases that the immunization programme covers:
- BCG: Bacillus, Calmette-Guerin (against tuberculosis)
- DPT: Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus
- DTaP: Diphtheria, Tetanus, and acellular Pertussis
- Hep B: Hepatitis B
- Hexavalent: DTaP, Hib, Hep B and IPV
- Hib: Haemophilus Influenzae Type B
- HPV: Human Papillomavirus
- IPV: Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine
- MMR: Measles, Mumps and Rubella
- OPV: Oral Poliovirus Vaccine
- PCV: Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
- Pentavalent: DPT, Hib and Hep B
- Tdap: Tetanus, reduced Diphtheria and reduced Pertussis
- Tetravalent: DTaP and Hib
You can have your child vaccinated at any of the health centers by following these simple steps.
Dubai
In Dubai, vaccinations are administered by the public health centers of the Dubai Health Authority, which are conveniently located throughout the Emirate.
How can one book an appointment?
To initiate the process, you must visit the nearest public health center to open a file.
For your convenience, the quickest way to locate the nearest health center is by contacting the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) at 800 342.
What documents does one need?
Take the following documents with you:
- Passport and visa page copy of both parents.
- Emirates ID copy of both parents.
- Baby’s passport copy with visa or entry permit.
- Birth certificate of your child.
- Vaccination book for your child.
- One passport-size photograph of your child.
- Tenancy contract or latest Dewa bill.
Charges:
The cost of obtaining a health card is Dh120, and it is valid for one year. In the unfortunate event that your health card is lost or stolen, a replacement card can be issued for Dh70.
To renew your health card, a payment of Dh120 is required.
Ensuring timely vaccinations for your children is crucial. If your child is experiencing a high fever or a serious illness, you can contact our call center to reschedule the appointment for the next available slot.
Please note that immediate availability for the next slot is not guaranteed, and there may be a waiting period of a few weeks.
Number to call
For any inquiries related to DHA, please contact their 24/7 toll-free number at 800-342 (800-DHA). Additionally, you can stay updated on your appointments by downloading the DHA app to receive notifications.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health (DOH) has a massive vaccination awareness campaign under the theme “Vaccination is essential” emphasizing the importance of vaccination to prevent diseases in the community, promoting the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages, increasing public awareness of the latest vaccination programs and new vaccines introduced by the Department of Health, and enhances the healthcare professionals’ role to be a vaccine advocate.
What documents does one need?
Take the following documents with you when you visit the health center:
A valid insurance card, vaccination card, and either the original birth certificate, passport, or Emirates ID of the child are required for verification. These documents are essential for ensuring the safety and security of the child while in our care. Thank you for your cooperation in providing these necessary documents.
Charges:
Residents are not required to pay for vaccinations as long as they have mandatory health insurance.
Number to call:
For any inquiries related to Abu Dhabi Health Services – Seha, please contact their toll-free number at 800 50.
Other Emirates
The Emirates Health Services (EHS) oversees the healthcare services in the Emirates of Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. To ensure the health and well-being of your child/children, we encourage you to visit the nearest EHS primary healthcare center for vaccinations.
Which documents would one need?
To open a vaccination file at a health center, you will need to take the following documents:
To verify the identity of the child, please provide either a Child ID or passport. If these documents are not available, a copy of the official birth notification or birth certificate along with the guardian’s ID or passport will be required.
Additionally, bring the child’s previous immunization card if applicable. This will help them ensure that the child’s vaccinations are up to date.
Where should one go?
To schedule an appointment with us, you have a few convenient options:
- Visit our website at ehs.gov.ae to book your appointment online.
2. Download our EHS smartphone application, available for both Apple and Android devices, to easily schedule your appointment.
3. Contact our call center at 800 88 77 to speak with a representative and book your appointment over the phone.
If your child’s Emirates ID or Passport is not available, please visit the primary healthcare center with the necessary documents. Once you have the required documentation, select a date that works best for you and schedule your appointment.
Visit the primary healthcare center 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment time for registration.
Charges
There are no fees associated with opening a file or receiving vaccines through the National Immunization Program.
Number to call:
For any inquiries related to EHS, please contact us at our toll-free number: 800-88-77.
Apart from this vaccination, many health centers also provide the following vaccines:
Influenza vaccines, commonly referred to as “flu shots,” are essential for preventing the flu virus.
When preparing for Haj and Umrah, it is important to consider vaccination.
Travel vaccinations are necessary or recommended for certain countries. Contact your nearest health center or the relevant health authorities’ toll-free numbers to determine if you need to be vaccinated before traveling.
With the UAE’s emphasis on healthcare, ensuring your child’s health and safety has never been easier. Take advantage of the free public health services available to lead a healthier life in the country.
Also Read: As an expat in the UAE, you can get free infant vaccinations