UAE government mandates measles booster shots

In a proactive move to enhance public health, schools across the UAE have called on parents to ensure their children receive the measles booster shots as part of the National Supplementary Measles Immunisation Campaign 2024.

This initiative, launched by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) under the theme “Protect Yourself, Protect Your Community,” aims to boost immunity among children in kindergarten through Year 2.

The campaign is a collaborative effort involving Emirates Health Services, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, and Dubai Health Authority. It provides an additional booster dose of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination to children aged 1 to 7, focusing on increasing vaccination coverage and protecting young ones from measles and its potential complications.

With the national goal of eliminating measles and contributing to global eradication efforts by 2030, this campaign represents a crucial step in safeguarding future generations. Vaccination is widely recognized as the safest and most effective method for disease prevention, and the Ministry prioritizes this to foster a health-conscious society.

Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Public Health Sector, explained that the National Measles Campaign is integral to the National Policy on Vaccinations. This comprehensive framework is designed to combat communicable diseases and mitigate their risks while aligning with the Ministry’s broader strategy to enhance public health and promote preventive care.

Dr. Al Rand emphasized MoHAP's commitment to improving the health system's response to infectious diseases through robust national programs, enhanced surveillance, and collaboration among health authorities. The Ministry is focused on improving vaccination coverage indicators by ensuring accessible preventive health services across all facilities.

“The UAE is dedicated to leading global efforts in promoting immunization and achieving high measles vaccination rates,” Dr. Al Rand stated. “We adhere strictly to the latest WHO-approved protocols, ensuring the highest safety and efficacy standards, which have led to a significant decline in measles infection rates. With continually updated immunization programs, we aim for 100% vaccination coverage among target groups by 2030.”

Dr. Nada Al Marzouqi, Director of the Department of Public Health and Prevention, stressed that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles, which poses serious health risks to unvaccinated children. She urged parents to take their children to designated health centers and school clinics to ensure high vaccination coverage and support the campaign’s objectives.

As the campaign progresses, parents are encouraged to prioritize their children's vaccinations, ensuring a healthier future for all.