The Best Shot Your Children Have, Is to Take the Shot
Children are a nation’s hope for the future.
You always do the right thing by your children. Every parent understands the significance of car seats, baby gates, and other safety precautions. You take all of these precautions to ensure their safety.
But did you know that one of the best ways to protect your children is to make sure they have all of their vaccinations?
Immunization is a life-or-death decision for your child. You can now protect your youngster against a broader spectrum of potential threats than ever before. Diseases that used to harm and kill thousands of children have been eradicated in some regions, while others are on the verge of disappearing because of the invention of effective and safe vaccines. Polio eradication is only one example of how vaccines have had a dramatic impact. Polio, which was formerly the largest cause of death and disability worldwide, has been considerably reduced in recent years because of increased immunization.
Sirwiss has teamed with a healthcare practitioner to bring necessary vaccinations directly to your household, where your child can feel more at ease than in a clinical setting. Read on to find out when and how your child should be immunized, and how vaccines can help keep him or her safe.
What is a vaccine?
The majority of currently available pediatric vaccines contain the same antigens or sections of antigens that cause disease; however, the antigens in vaccines are either inactivated or severely attenuated. When vaccinations are administered into muscle fatty tissue, the immune system produces antibodies against them. The remaining memory cells prevent re-infection when they encounter the disease in the future, thereby immunizing your youngster against potentially fatal infections. Prior to the development of vaccines, children all around the world succumbed from diseases such as whooping cough, measles, polio, and meningitis. Immunizations are risk-free and lifesaving. There is no evidence that vaccinations cause long-term health problems or conditions.
A Parent’s Guide to Getting Your Child Vaccinated
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has a robust immunization policy in place as part of the UAE’s very successful National Immunization Program, which is part of a larger effort to reduce the number of diseases that can be prevented with the correct vaccines in Dubai. According to this policy, it is mandatory to vaccinate and immunize a baby in Dubai. It is important to know the procedure for getting a newborn vaccinated in Dubai if you are expecting a new addition to the family soon or if you want to be prepared for impending booster vaccinations for your children.
Vaccinations for Babies in Dubai
A newborn in Dubai should have the following vaccinations, all of which are part of the UAE’s immunization program:
1. BCG (Bacile Calmette Guerin)
2. Diphtheria
3. Tetanus Toxoid
4. Pertussis (DTaP)
5. Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV/OPV)
6. Measles
7. Mumps
8. Rubella (MMR)
9. Haemophiles Influenza Type B (Hib) Vaccine
10. Hepatitis B Vaccine (HBV)
11. Varicella
12. Pneumococcal Vaccines
What Is the Vaccination Schedule in Dubai?
The vaccination regimen varies from country to country. Because the risk of contracting tuberculosis (TB) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is higher than in some regions of Europe, it is advised that all newborns born in the UAE be inoculated against TB within the first few days of life. This can be a source of confusion for expats between one place and necessities acquired in another. In January 2012, the Dubai Health Authority unveiled the Emirate of Dubai’s first comprehensive immunization services policy.
Due to variations in disease prevalence from region to region, it is essential that you adhere to the vaccination schedule of the country in which you are now residing rather than that of your home country.
The DHA Schedule in Dubai
Despite your apprehension over inflicting temporary discomfort on your child, know that you are doing what is best for their long-term health and the health of other children and members of the community.
Vaccinations for newborns in Dubai are mandated according to the following schedule.
- At birth: BCG, Hep
- B. Two months: DTaP, Hib, Hep B, IPV, PCV.
- Four months: DPT, Hib, Hep B, OPV, PCV.
- Six months: DPT, Hib, Hep B, OPV, PCV.
- 12 months: MMR, Varicella.
- 18 months: DTaP, Hib, OPV, PCV.
- Five to six years: DPT, OPV, MMR, varicella.
In addition to the said vaccinations, several clinics offer the following vaccines:
- Influenza vaccines, popularly known as ‘Flu Shots’.
- Vaccination for Haj and Umrah
- Travel immunizations that are necessary or recommended before visiting specific countries.
To find out if you should get vaccinated before traveling, contact your nearest health center or any of the relevant health authorities.
DHA Immunization Schedule for Those of Ages 7 To 18
After a child reaches six years of age, parents in Dubai must adhere to the following vaccination schedule.
1. Those who have completed the recommended childhood DTP/DTaP immunization series will need Td/Tdap booster injections at ages 11–12.
2. Children must receive two doses of the Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) between the ages of 11 and 12 and 13 to 18 if they have not been immunized previously. Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccination is an alternative to this (MPSV4).
3. If your children have not already been immunized, they should also receive a 3-dose Hepatitis B vaccination series and a 2-dose Varicella vaccination cycle.
What Documents Do You Need?
- 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 of your child.
- One passport size photograph of your child.
- Tenancy contract or latest Dewa bill
Important Note: While immunizations are free, Dubai residents must obtain a health card, which costs Dh120 and is valid for one year. After submitting all required documentation, you will be issued a health card and a vaccination card at the registration counter. You can then schedule an appointment for your child’s next immunization. You can also make an appointment by calling the DHA hotline. Call the DHA’s toll-free hotline, 800 342, whenever, day or night, with any questions you may have
Vaccinations for Babies in Abu Dhabi
The Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD) has launched a massive vaccination awareness campaign with the motto “Vaccination is essential,” highlighting the importance of vaccination to prevent diseases in the community, promoting the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages and bolstering the role of healthcare professionals to be vaccine advocates. You can reach the Abu Dhabi Health Services, on their toll-free number, 800 50.
Other Emirates
If you live in one of the emirates where the Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) is responsible for public health, such as Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, or Umm Al Quwain, you can take your child or children to the nearest (Mohap) health center for vaccinations. To locate the nearest medical center, dial 800 11111 to reach the Ministry of Health and Prevention.