This November, schools across the UAE are collaborating with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to implement a National Measles Campaign, providing free MMR (Measles, Rubella, and Mumps) vaccinations for primary students.
The initiative targets children aged one to seven, administering a single dose of the vaccine as part of a mandatory health program for school and nursery attendance.
The DHA has emphasized the importance of the MMR vaccine, which is typically given at 12 and 18 months, with a booster now required. Schools have been urged by the Knowledge and Development Authority (KHDA) to ensure every child receives the recommended vaccinations.
Sangita Chima, principal of Amity School Dubai, stated,
“Our school has collaborated with the DHA to implement the campaign effectively,”
highlighting the specialized training received by school nurses to administer the vaccines.
Parents are encouraged to register their children for vaccinations, available both at school and at DHA healthcare centers. Chima reported an overwhelming response from parents, and Sheela Menon, principal of Ambassador School, noted that consent forms are already being collected.
Medical experts remind parents to remain vigilant, as measles, while not currently on the rise in the UAE, is a highly contagious viral infection. Dr. Sherif Mohamed Mosaad Kamel emphasized that maintaining high vaccination rates is crucial for preventing outbreaks. With the WHO’s guidance supporting this campaign, parents are urged to vaccinate their children for optimal protection against measles and to help sustain herd immunity.
News Source: Khaleej Times
