In the UAE, safeguarding the health of infants and children is a top priority. The UAE has a strict national vaccination schedule that every parent/primary caregiver must adhere to fro their children. These mandatory vaccinations are set to become more accessible and efficient through an innovative digital solution, the AlHosn app. Here are all the details you need to know about the mandatory affect.
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Mandatory Vaccinations For A Healthier Future
The UAE government firmly believes in the power of vaccinations to protect children from preventable diseases. Dr. Hussain Al Rand, the assistant undersecretary for Public Health at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, emphasises the importance of these mandatory vaccinations, stating that they are a shield that will ultimately lead to a healthier and happier nation.
Immunisation: A Key to Disease Prevention
But first, let’s clarify what immunisation is. It’s the process of building immunity against specific diseases, and vaccines are a critical tool in achieving this goal. Vaccination stands as one of the most effective and cost-efficient measures for preventing diseases.
The AlHosn App
The upgraded AlHosn app is set to revolutionise how parents manage their children’s vaccinations. It will now maintain comprehensive vaccination records for children from birth until they reach the age of 18. This digital solution will make it easier than ever for parents to ensure their children receive the necessary vaccinations on time.
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Dr. Al Rand emphasises that to attend school, children’s vaccination certificates must be updated on the app. This means that the app will replace the traditional vaccination book previously required during school enrolment.
From COVID-19 To Child Vaccinations: AlHosn’s Evolution
Originally designed for COVID-19 contact tracing and health testing, the AlHosn app has evolved into the UAE’s national digital healthcare platform for vaccinations. This transformation is a crucial step in achieving higher child vaccination rates nationwide. Dr. Al Rand insists that every resident should have the AlHosn app because “vaccinations will be updated on it.”
Phased Immunisation Program
The National Immunisation Programme in the UAE comprises two phases, as explained by Dr. Nada Al Marzooqi, director of Public Health and Prevention at MoHAP. The first phase covers vaccinations from birth to 18 years of age, administered periodically. The second phase involves seasonal flu vaccines for individuals of all ages and various groups.
Mandatory Vaccines in the UAE
Some vaccines are mandatory for children in the UAE, including those targeting tuberculosis, tetanus, pneumonia, diphtheria, HPV, and more. Some vaccines may require additional doses and boosters during the school-age period, all of which will be documented and updated on the AlHosn app. Dr. Al Marzooqi encourages everyone to keep track of their children’s vaccination status and ensure they receive the necessary doses to protect against common childhood diseases.
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UAE’s Comprehensive Vaccination Schedule
The UAE Government mandates vaccinations for children from birth to Grade 11, effectively protecting them from a range of diseases. These include: (for further information on this please visit the official UAE Government Portal website)
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- 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.
Ensuring children receive these vaccinations is a fundamental step toward building a healthier and safer future for the UAE’s youngest citizens. The AlHosn app’s integration into this process represents a significant leap forward in healthcare management and disease prevention. You can get the AlHosn app on you phone through their website. Stay safe everyone!
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