UAE protects children with free, mandatory Vaccinations
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The United Arab Emirates provides a free, mandatory vaccination program for all children from birth to 18 years old, managed at the national level by the Ministry of Health and Prevention and implemented locally by health authorities in each emirate.
The program began in the 1980s and has been updated to align with international guidelines for preventing communicable diseases.
In 2020, the UAE strengthened its vaccination policies with the National Policy on Vaccinations, increasing coverage and improving vaccine management following the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents can access these vaccinations at public health facilities, though they must first obtain a health card for their child, which costs 120 dirhams and is valid for one year.
The National Immunisation Programme covers diseases including tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and pneumococcal disease, with a specific schedule of vaccinations administered at various ages. To book an appointment, parents need documents including passports, Emirates IDs, tenancy contracts, the child’s birth certificate, and vaccination records. They can book online through the Dubai Health website or app, or by phone.
The UAE aims to protect its communities by ensuring widespread access to preventative healthcare for its youngest citizens.
