Schools across the UAE are collaborating with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to offer free vaccinations for primary students on campus this month. The National Measles Campaign has been launched to inform parents about the mandatory measles vaccination program in Dubai schools and nurseries. Children aged one to seven will receive a single dose of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine, which is compulsory for all students except those with documented medical exemptions.

The Knowledge and Development Authority (KHDA) has consistently urged schools to emphasize the importance of ensuring that every child receives the recommended two doses of the MMR vaccine, as outlined in a recent circular from the emirate’s education regulator. In the UAE, the MMR vaccine is usually administered at 12 months and again at 18 months, with an additional booster shot now required for children.

Under the initiative, school nurses are undergoing specialized training to administer the vaccines at the institutions’ Vaccine Qualified Clinics (VQC). School leaders in Dubai are strongly encouraging parents to register their children for the vaccinations, which can be received either at school or at DHA primary healthcare centers.

Sangita Chima, principal of Amity School Dubai, stated, “Our school has partnered with the DHA to effectively implement the campaign. The school’s doctor, medical director, and nurse attended training sessions by the DHA in October.” This campaign is guided by the World Health Organization (WHO), which recommends incorporating the MMR vaccine into standard childhood immunizations. Parents are urged to vaccinate their children for added protection.

“Team Amity, led by our Medical Director Ms Angie, has reached out to the community, encouraging all parents of students from Pre KG to Grade I to register for both vaccine doses,” Chima added. Schools are also engaging with parents to address any concerns or feedback they may have.

“We have shared the DHA’s parents’ guide with them. Our medical team has provided extensive support and has taken all feedback on effective implementation of this health initiative into consideration,” said Chima. School heads explained that ensuring every child receives the recommended two doses of the MMR vaccine is crucial for safeguarding students' health and well-being.

Sheela Menon, principal of Ambassador School, Dubai, said, “We received notification about the National Measles Campaign, November 2024, from both KHDA and DHA. The guidelines along with the consent forms were sent to parents of Pre KG to Grade 1. In case of vaccination refusal, parents are asked to provide a medical report to school stating the reason. We have started receiving the consent forms from parents and plan to go ahead with the drive in November. The detailed FAQs shared by DHA will assist parents with any doubts they might have about this campaign,” added Menon.

Doctors in the UAE emphasize that measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can affect anyone, but it is most commonly seen in children. Dr Monish Joseph Thomas, a pediatric registrar at Saudi German Hospital Dubai, said, “We have seen a couple of cases recently in the UAE (in SGHD), but not enough to say there’s been a definite rise.”

Dr Rain Sim, a pediatric consultant at Canadian Specialist Hospital Dubai, explained, “Children tend to be miserable when they have measles. Apart from fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, they can have muscle aches and white spots in their mouth. The rash appears after a few days, typically behind the ears and neck, before spreading downwards and outwards. The rash is red and confluent. There is no cure for measles, and treatment is symptomatic using antipyretics and encouraging fluid intake. Complications are rare, but can happen with inflammation spreading and affecting the organs, which includes the brain.”

Reassuring the community while encouraging vigilance, doctors highlighted that there has not been a significant increase in measles cases in the UAE. Dr Sherif Mohamed Mosaad Kamel, a consultant pediatrician and neonatologist at Zulekha Hospital Dubai, said, “The UAE has not reported a significant increase. Parents should remain vigilant for symptoms and ensure their children are vaccinated to maintain this status. As of November 2, there is no publicly available data indicating a significant rise in measles cases here.”

“The UAE maintains high vaccination coverage, which has been effective in preventing outbreaks. The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective prevention method. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses: the first at 12–15 months and the second at 4–6 years. Herd immunity is key in preventing measles from spreading, causing an epidemic. Covid isolation, as well as previous vaccine misinformation, has compromised vaccination uptake and previously achieved herd immunity. This has caused a global resurgence of previously rarely seen childhood diseases, including measles,” added Dr Rain Sim.

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