Childhood Vaccination Schedule in the UAE 2026: A Parent's Guide

How the UAE schedule works

The UAE National Immunization Programme, overseen by MOHAP with implementation by DHA and SEHA, provides a standardised free-at-government-clinics schedule. Private clinics follow the same schedule and may offer optional additional vaccines (such as MenACWY or HPV in earlier age groups). All vaccines administered are recorded in NABIDH/Riayati and the UAE Pass health record.

The schedule below reflects the 2026 standard. Specific brands may vary; the antigens and ages do not.

At birth

BCG (tuberculosis) — single intradermal dose, usually given before discharge from hospital.

Hepatitis B — first dose within 24 hours of birth, ideally.

2 months

Hexavalent vaccine (DTaP–IPV–HiB–HepB) — diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, inactivated polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b, hepatitis B. First of three doses.

PCV13 (pneumococcal conjugate) — first of three doses.

Rotavirus — first of two or three doses depending on brand.

4 months

Hexavalent — second dose.

PCV13 — second dose.

Rotavirus — second dose.

6 months

Hexavalent — third dose.

PCV13 — third dose.

Rotavirus — third dose (if Rotateq is used; not needed if Rotarix used).

Influenza — annual from age 6 months onwards.

12 months

MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) — first dose.

Varicella (chickenpox) — first dose.

Meningococcal C or ACWY — varies by emirate.

18 months

Hexavalent booster.

Hepatitis A — first dose.

24 months

Hepatitis A — second dose (6 months after first).

4–6 years (pre-school)

DTaP–IPV booster.

MMR — second dose.

Varicella — second dose.

11 years and above

Tdap booster.

HPV (human papillomavirus) — for girls and boys, two-dose schedule under age 15.

MenACWY (meningococcal) — particularly recommended before boarding school or travel to high-risk areas.

Annual

Influenza vaccine — annually from 6 months, ideally September to November before the regional flu season.

Optional vaccines often given in private practice

Meningococcal B — protects against serogroup B not covered by ACWY; recommended in many countries.

MenACWY earlier than 11 years — useful before travel.

Japanese encephalitis, yellow fever, typhoid, rabies — for specific travel.

RSV monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab) — for infants entering their first RSV season; increasingly available in Dubai private practice.

What schools in Dubai require

KHDA-registered schools in Dubai require a complete UAE-compliant vaccination record for enrolment. Children entering from abroad need their international record reviewed by a DHA-licensed clinician, missing vaccines caught up, and the record converted to the UAE format. We do this routinely for relocating families and provide the school-format certificate the same day.

Catch-up schedule

Children arriving in the UAE with incomplete vaccination records can catch up using the WHO 'older child' schedule — typically 3 visits over 6 months covers most missed antigens. We coordinate the spacing and provide the documentation.

Common parent questions

Are these vaccines safe? Yes. They have been administered to billions of children worldwide with extensive safety monitoring. Common reactions are mild (fever, soreness, irritability) and last 24–48 hours. Serious reactions are very rare and tracked through pharmacovigilance.

Can I delay vaccines? Some flexibility exists, but significant delay increases the risk of infection during a vulnerable window. We discuss any concerns at the appointment.

Can vaccines be combined? Yes — multiple vaccines on the same day is standard, safe and reduces visits.

Will my child be exempt from school requirements? Medical exemptions exist for true contraindications (severe allergy to a vaccine component, certain immunocompromised states); religious or philosophical exemptions are not generally accepted by Dubai schools.