Dubai schools launch mandatory measles vaccinations as part of UAE health campaign

Schools across the UAE are joining forces with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) this month to provide free measles vaccinations to primary students on campus. As part of the National Measles Campaign, parents have been notified of a compulsory vaccination program covering Dubai schools and nurseries to protect young children from measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

The initiative targets children aged one to seven, who will receive a single dose of the MMR vaccine. The vaccination is mandatory for all students, with exemptions granted only to those with documented medical contraindications.

The Knowledge and Development Authority (KHDA) has also issued a directive encouraging schools to underscore the importance of full immunization. In a recent circular, KHDA reminded schools to ensure that every child follows the recommended two-dose schedule for the MMR vaccine.

According to the UAE’s vaccination guidelines, children typically receive the MMR vaccine at 12 months and again at 18 months. This campaign now introduces an additional booster shot to strengthen immunity in young children, further reinforcing the country’s commitment to public health and disease prevention.