As a pediatrician in Dubai, one of the most common questions I receive from parents is: “Is my child’s vaccination up to date?” This guide provides a clear, age-by-age overview of the UAE childhood vaccination schedule for 2026, based on the national program established by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP).
Why Vaccinations Matter?
Vaccines have eliminated or dramatically reduced diseases that once killed thousands of children every year — and the benefits start from the very first dose. Learn more about the benefits of early childhood vaccination.
In the UAE, childhood vaccination is mandatory under the National Immunization Program and is provided free at all government health centers. Private clinics in Dubai follow the same MOHAP schedule.
Timing matters. Each vaccine is scheduled based on when your child becomes vulnerable to a disease and when their immune system is ready to build the strongest response. Missing or delaying doses leaves a window of vulnerability.
UAE Childhood Vaccination Schedule 2026
At Birth
- BCG — Protects against tuberculosis, particularly TB meningitis in newborns
- Hepatitis B (1st dose) — Given within 24 hours of birth to prevent mother-to-child transmission
At 2 Months
- Hexavalent vaccine (6-in-1) — 1st dose — Covers Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Hib, and Hepatitis B in one injection
- Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) — 1st dose — Prevents pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections.
- Rotavirus — 1st dose (oral drops) — Prevents severe diarrhea and dehydration, especially important in Dubai’s summer heat.
At 4 Months
- Hexavalent — 2nd dose
- Pneumococcal (PCV) — 2nd dose
- Rotavirus — 2nd dose
At 6 Months
- Hexavalent — 3rd dose
- Pneumococcal (PCV) — 3rd dose
- Rotavirus — 3rd dose
At 12 Months
- MMR (1st dose) — Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. Measles remains highly contagious — especially relevant in Dubai with its large international population.
- Varicella (1st dose) — Chickenpox
- Hepatitis A (1st dose) — Important for families who travel internationally
At 15–18 Months
- DTaP booster
- IPV booster — Polio
- Hepatitis A (2nd dose) — Completes the series
At 4–6 Years (School Entry)
- MMR — 2nd dose
- Varicella — 2nd dose
- DTaP booster
At 11–18 Years
- Tdap booster — Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis
- Meningococcal vaccine (MCV4) — Bacterial meningitis, added by MOHAP for Grade 11 students
- HPV vaccine (girls) — Protects against cervical cancer
Additional Vaccines Worth Discussing
These are not mandatory but recommended:
- Influenza vaccine (annual) — Recommended for all children over 6 months, especially those with asthma or underlying conditions. Dubai’s flu season runs from November to March.
- Meningococcal B (MenB) — Covers a strain not included in MCV4, available at private clinics.
What If My Child Missed a Vaccine?
Do not worry — most vaccines can be given on a catch-up schedule. Partial vaccination is always better than none. Bring whatever records you have to your next appointment, and your pediatrician will build a catch-up plan.
Book a Vaccination Consultation in Dubai
Whether you are starting your newborn’s immunization journey or need to catch up on missed doses, Dr. Olfa Koobar provides comprehensive pediatric care and vaccination services in Dubai.
📞 Call: 04 248 1000 ✉️ Email: drolfa.k@gmail.com 🕐 Saturday – Thursday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
