Vaccinations are very important for adults, and even more so for children. The younger they are, the sooner they should get them. This is because children’s bodies and immunity systems are far less developed nor matured to handle illnesses.

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Vaccinations are important because they prevent serious illnesses from developing. Though some illnesses such as flu or common colds may be temporary for us, they can be more serious in children. This is why vaccinations are so important for children.

Children in the UAE

Vaccination for Children

The Dubai Health Authority and the Ministry of Health have developed childhood immunization and National Immunisation programs for children in the UAE.

When you give birth to a child or when you bring them for a checkup with the doctor, they will always recommend the best vaccinations and immunization advice. Particularly when children are travelling overseas, doctors will always advise the best course of action for your child to take.

With serious health concerns that children are vulnerable to, the DHA along with all the hospitals that are registered under the DHA, recommend the following vaccinations for children:

  • BCG at birth
  • DPT vaccine– which is a combination of vaccinations against three diseases; Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus from the age of 2 months until the child is 18 months old.
  • Hepatitis B from birth until the child is six months old
  • Polio from 2 months until the child is five years old
  • Pneumococcal from 2 months till 18 months
  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella at 1 and 5 years of age
  • Varicella vaccine (chickenpox) for which a total of two doses are recommended for all children.

Benefits of Getting Vaccinations for Children

Vaccination for Children

1. Immunizations can save your child’s life 

Diseases can happen at any time and to anyone. Sudden breakouts can occur and affect large amounts of people at any time. With all the medical advancements in our society, vaccinations are almost essential.

Even though certain diseases are very unlikely to occur in the UAE, getting your child vaccinated can save your child from being unlucky in the future. 

2. Vaccinations protect society

The reason why flu and viruses pass on so rapidly is that people are giving it to each other. By getting your child vaccinated, you never have to worry about passing on your sickness, or their sickness unto them.

If more people had regular vaccinations and were immune to viruses that can rapidly spread, nationwide pandemics would not happen. Vaccinations are the best way of protecting society at large from serious and illnesses.

3. Vaccination is very safe and effective

All vaccinations available to children as well as adults are safe, scientifically researched as well as tested. Vaccinations recommended and administered by doctors are safe for children.

Although most children will be put off with the fact, they are getting injected by a needle. It’s much more effective administering vaccinations in any other way. And the discomfort of being injected with a needle is far less than suffering an illness or virus.

4. Saves you time and money

Vaccinations are there to prevent bad things from happening. This means you’re paying a one-off cost that protects your child for a very long time (duration depends on the type of vaccination.)

If your child gets infected by a disease or illness, you would need to send them to the doctors, get checked up as well as spend the money during the entire process. With or without insurance, the lengthy process can crane your time, energy, and money.

This is why preventing illnesses is fundamental. And with children being so vulnerable, vaccinations is the best way to go for their health, as well as your convenience and financial levels.

5. Sustainable future for all people 

The development of new and safe vaccinations and immunization programs have helped to minimize and eradicate certain illnesses protecting our future generations. For example, smallpox used to be a worldwide concern where people had to get vaccinated for it.

Because the illness went away as most people have become immune, our children and the generations ahead of them will not have to worry about such an illness anymore.

If our children are all vaccinated and stick to the DHA immunization program and our doctor’s recommendations, the UAE will have a future where all current diseases that cause sickness, disability and fatality will no longer be a concern for the generations to come.

Keep in Mind

Vaccination for Children

The recommended vaccinations for children will differ in each country. This is because certain illnesses, environments, children’s body types as well as multiple other variables, will affect what kind of immunization program or schedule they should follow. In the UAE, it is best to speak with your child’s doctor on when, how, and if they should get certain vaccinations. 

Keep in mind that vaccinations don’t mean your child has 100% immunity over certain diseases. There will always be a chance they can get infected. This means maintaining a healthy diet for them, making sure they are well hydrated and get a good amount of rest every day. Basic healthy lifestyle practices are just as important as vaccinations.
