How to get free infant vaccinations as an expat in the UAE
The UAE’s National Immunization Program has played a significant role in the country’s world-class public health services. Since the program’s early introduction in 1980, the UAE has witnessed a substantial decline in the spread of infectious diseases. Diseases such as measles, mumps, and rubella have dropped dramatically, and the country has remained polio-free since 2004. In an effort to maintain the country’s high standard of public health, the UAE offers its residents free immunization.
If you’re wondering about the cost of vaccinations for newborn babies in the UAE as an expat, you might be surprised to find out you can get them for free. This Pacific Prime Dubai article tells you how to get free infant vaccinations in the UAE.
The UAE’s National Immunization Program
In the UAE, free immunization services are available to children, covering a number of diseases with vaccinations ranging from Hepatitis B to Human Papillomavirus. Any expat who has a valid residency visa is entitled to free vaccinations on the government schedule for children up to the age of five. The only jabs that aren’t covered are the ones that are considered optional.
If your baby misses any vaccinations or you’re having them done late for whatever reason, don’t fret. Discuss this with your pediatrician to come up with a new program that will allow you to catch up. In fact, there’s a catch-up vaccination schedule recommended by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) that you can follow if your child is more than one vaccine behind or started late.
How to book free vaccinations for babies in the UAE
Wondering how to book an appointment for baby vaccinations in Abu Dhabi? Or what about booking a vaccination for babies in Dubai? The process for signing up to get your child vaccinated varies according to where you are in the UAE. Here are the step-by-step processes according to the different emirates.
Dubai
Vaccinations in Dubai are provided by DHA’s public health centers, which can be found throughout the emirate. To book an appointment, you can just visit the closest public health center to open a file. If you’re unsure where the nearest health center to you is, give DHA a call on 800 342 or have a look at this list.
Required documents
Be sure to bring the following documents with you when visiting the health center:
- Both parents’ passport and visa page copy
- Both parents’ Emirates ID copy
- Child’s passport copy with entry permit or visa
- Child’s birth certificate
- Child’s vaccination book
- Child’s photograph (passport size)
- Latest utility bill or tenancy contract
Fees
| Health card (one-year validity) | AED 120 |
| Health card replacement (if lost or stolen) | AED 70 |
| Health card renewal | AED 120 |
Even though it’s important to vaccinate your child on time, it might be best to reschedule your appointment if they have a major illness or a high fever. If that’s the case, you can call the call center to move your appointment to the next available slot. It’s worth noting that you may have to wait for a few weeks for a slot to open up.
Abu Dhabi
Since health insurance is mandatory in Abu Dhabi, you must have a valid insurance card to register for infant vaccinations. If you already have a valid insurance card, you can go ahead and book an appointment by calling Abu Dhabi Health Services Seha (800 50).
There are 34 Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD) public health centers that offer immunization services, making it easy to find one close to you.
Required documents
Bring the following documents with you when you go to the health center:
- Valid insurance card
- Vaccination card
- Child’s original passport/Emirates ID/birth certificate
Fees
If you have the required health insurance, you won’t need to pay anything since residents don’t have to pay for vaccinations.
Other emirates
What about free vaccinations for babies in Ajman and other emirates, you ask? Emirates that come under the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) have health centers where you can get your child vaccinated. These emirates include:
- Ajman
- Fujairah
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Sharjah
- Umm Al Quwain
To find out which medical health center is closest to you, call MOHAP on 800-11111 or contact them online.
Required documents
When you visit a MOHAP health center, you’ll need the following documents to open a vaccination file:
- Child’s birth certificate
- Parents’ Emirates ID
- Tenancy contract
Simply provide all the required documents when you visit the center to book an appointment.
Fees
Opening a file is free of charge, as are vaccinations that fall under the National Immunization Program.
Additional vaccinations
Along with the vaccinations that are part of the National Immunization Program, many health centers will also offer additional vaccines, including influenza vaccines (commonly known as flu shots), Haj and Umrah vaccinations, and travel vaccinations before going to certain countries.
Vaccines available in the UAE’s private health centers
Vaccinations for infants, children, and adults in the UAE can be carried out at public healthcare centers or private hospitals. While vaccinations at public centers and government hospitals can be free for residents and health card holders, private hospitals charge a fee for their services. Fortunately, most insurers cover the cost.
The UAE’s emphasis on healthcare makes it easy to care for your child’s health and safety while you’re in the area. Whether you make the most of the free public services or choose to go with private healthcare instead, you can have peace of mind knowing your child’s health is in good hands.
Get the right health insurance in the UAE
Are you looking for maternity insurance in Dubai or newborn insurance in Dubai? No matter what type of health insurance you’re after, you’re going to want to make sure you get the best one for your unique requirements. Here at Pacific Prime Dubai, we compare health insurance plans to ensure you get the right plan for your needs, and within your budget.
Contact us to receive impartial advice and a free quote or plan comparison today. You can also take a look at our blog posts and guides for useful information for expats in the UAE.
In her free time, she’s likely to be writing poetry and prose, geeking out on her latest interests, reading, or practicing yoga.
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