How to Get Free Infant Vaccinations as an Expat in the UAE
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), free immunization services are available to children, covering a number of diseases with vaccinations ranging from Hepatitis B to Human Papillomavirus. Expats with a valid residency visa are entitled to free vaccinations for children up to the age of five.
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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 free infant vaccinations in the UAE!
Whether 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 plan of action that will allow you to catch up. Pacific Prime Dubai will tell you how to get free infant vaccinations in the UAE.
The UAE’s National Immunization Program
Since UAE’s National Immunization Program’s introduction in 1980, the country 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.
The program has played a significant role in the country’s world-class public health services. In an effort to maintain the country’s high standard of public health, the UAE offers its residents free immunization.
UAE Vaccination Schedule
The UAE Government’s vaccination schedule starts from the child’s time of birth until the time they reach Grade 11, and covers a wide range of vaccinations.
Vaccinations include:
- BCG: Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (against tuberculosis)
- DPT: Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus
- DTaP: Diphtheria, Tetanus, and acellular Pertussis
- Hep B: Hepatitis B
- Hexavalent: DTaP, Hib, Hep B, and IPV
- Hib: Haemophilus Influenzae Type B
- HPV: Human Papillomavirus
- IPV: Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine
- MMR: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
- OPV: Oral Poliovirus Vaccine
- PCV: Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
- Pentavalent: DPT, Hib, and Hep B
- Tdap: Tetanus, reduced Diphtheria, and reduced Pertussis
- Tetravalent: DTaP and Hib
How to Book Free Vaccinations for Babies in the UAE
The process for signing up to get your child free infant vaccinations varies according to where you are in the UAE. That means booking an appointment for baby vaccinations in Abu Dhabi may be different from in Dubai. Here are the step-by-step processes according to the different emirates.
Dubai
Vaccinations in Dubai are provided by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA)’s public health centers, which can be found throughout the emirate. To book an appointment, you can simply 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
When visiting a health center in Dubai for free vaccinations, you will have to prepare documents such as passport copies, ID copies, birth certificates, and more. Please make sure to bring the following documents with you when visiting the health center:
- BCG: Both parents’ passport and visa page copy
- BCG: Both parents’ Emirates ID copy
- BCG: Child’s passport copy with entry permit or visa
- BCG: Child’s birth certificate
- BCG: Child’s vaccination book
- BCG: Child’s photograph (passport size)
- BCG: Latest utility bill or tenancy contract
Fees
Health card holders can receive vaccinations for free as they are covered. However, there are fees attached to getting, renewing, and replacing a health card as follows:
| Health card (one-year validity) | AED 120 (~USD $32.67) |
| Health card replacement (if lost or stolen) | AED 70 (~USD $19.06) |
| Health card renewal | AED 120 (~USD $32.67) |
Even though it’s important to vaccinate your child on time, it’d be best to reschedule your appointment if they have a major illness or a high fever. You can 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 book an appointment by calling Abu Dhabi Health Services Seha (800 50).
Required Documents
Before you go to the health center, be sure to prepare the necessary documents such as insurance cards and vaccination cards. Here is the list of the required documents you need:
- BCG: Valid insurance card
- BCG: Vaccination card
- BCG: 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 infant vaccinations in Ajman and other emirates, you asked? Emirates that come under the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) have health centers where you can get your child vaccinated. These emirates include:
- BCG: Ajman
- BCG: Fujairah
- BCG: Ras Al Khaimah
- BCG: Sharjah
- BCG: Umm Al Quwain
To find out which medical health center is the 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:
- BCG: Child’s birth certificate
- BCG: Parents’ Emirates ID
- BCG: Tenancy contract
Simply provide all the required documents when you visit the center to book an appointment.
Fees
Opening a vaccination file like vaccinations that fall under the National Immunization Program is free of charge.
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 that are 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. Vaccinations at public centers and government hospitals can be free for residents and health card holders.
Private hospitals will charge a fee for their services. Fortunately, most insurers will cover the costs.
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 opt for private healthcare to reap the benefits, you can have the peace of mind knowing your child’s health is in good hands.
Get the Right Health Insurance in the UAE
Whether you’re looking for maternity insurance or newborn insurance in Dubai, you’re going to want to make sure you get the best one for your unique requirements. At Pacific Prime Dubai, we compare health insurance plans to ensure you get the right plan for your needs within your budget.
Contact us to receive impartial advice and a free quote or plan comparison service today! You can also take a look at our blog posts and guides for useful information for expats in the UAE.
Jantra curates and reports on the results of Pacific Prime’s monthly newsletters, as well as manages Pacific Prime’s Deputy Global CEO’s LinkedIn posts. Complemented by her background in business writing, Jantra’s passion for health, insurance, and employee benefits helps her create engaging content - no matter how complex the subject is.
Growing up as a third-culture kid has given her a multicultural perspective that helps her relate to expats and their families while 8 years of working remotely have given her unique insight into hybrid work arrangements and enthusiasm for employee benefits.
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