Schools in the UAE are teaming up with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to offer free vaccinations for primary students on campus this month. They launched National measles campaigninforming parents about the mandatory measles vaccination program in schools and nurseries in Dubai.

Children aged one to seven will receive a single dose of the MMR (measles, rubella and mumps) vaccine. Vaccination is mandatory for all students, except for those with documented medical contraindications.

Meanwhile, the Knowledge and Development Authority (KHDA) has repeatedly urged schools to “support in emphasizing the importance of ensuring that every child receives the recommended schedule of two doses of MMR”, as outlined in a recent circular from the emirate’s education regulator.

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In the UAE, the MMR vaccine is usually given at 12 months and again at 18 months, with an additional booster now required for children.

Specialized training

As part of the initiative, school nurses receive specialist training in administering vaccines at the institutions’ Vaccine Qualified Clinics (VQC).

Dubai school leaders strongly encourage parents to register their children for vaccinations, which can be received either at school or at DHA Primary Health Care Centres.

Sangita Chima, Principal of Amity School Dubai said, “Our school has collaborated with DHA to implement the campaign effectively. The school doctor, medical director and nurse attended the DHA training session in October.”

In particular, this campaign is based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, which recommend incorporating the MMR vaccine into standard immunizations for children. Parents are urged to vaccinate their children for extra protection.

“The Amity team, led by our Medical Director, Ms. Angie, has been reaching out to the community, encouraging all parents of Pre KG through 1st grade students to register for both vaccine doses.”

Meanwhile, institutions are also engaging with parents to address any concerns or feedback they may have.

“We shared the DHA parent guide with them. Our medical team has provided extensive support and considered all feedback on the effective implementation of this health initiative.”

Receipt of Consent Forms

School principals explained that ensuring that every child receives the recommended two doses of the MMR vaccine is crucial to protecting the health and well-being of our students.

“I am sure parents will consult the guide and contact our school nurse to complete their child’s vaccination schedule promptly. We have already received an overwhelming response through parental consent,” Chima added.

Sheela Menon, Principal, Ambassador School, Dubai said, “We have received a notification about the National Measles Campaign, November 2024, from both KHDA and DHA. Guidelines along with consent forms were sent to parents from Pre KG to Class 1.

“In case of refusal of vaccination, parents are asked to submit a medical report to the school specifying the reason. We have started receiving consent forms from parents and plan to move forward with action in November. The detailed FAQs shared by DHA will help parents with any doubts they may have regarding this campaign,” added Menon.

Few cases in UAE

Doctors in the country reiterate that measles is an extremely contagious viral infection that can affect any person, but is most common in children.

Dr Monish Joseph Thomas, pediatric registrar, Department of Paediatrics, German Saudi Hospital in Dubai, said: “We have seen a few cases recently in the UAE (in SGHD), but not enough to say there has been a definite increase . Individuals suffer from a runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, and small white spots on the inside of the cheeks (called Kopliks spots).

Dr. Monish Joseph Thomas

Medical experts explained that the rash usually appears about seven to 18 days after exposure, initially on the face and back of the neck. Over the course of about three days, it gradually spreads to the hands and feet. The rash generally persists for five to six days before it begins to disappear.

Dr Rain Sim, consultant paediatrician, Canadian Specialist Hospital Dubai, said: “Children tend to be unhappy when they have it. Apart from fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, they may have muscle aches and white patches in the mouth. The rash then appears after a few days, usually behind the ears and neck, before spreading downward and outward. The rash is red and confluent (merging). There is no cure for measles, and treatment is symptomatic using antipyretics and encouraging fluid intake. Complications are rare but can occur as inflammation spreads and affects organs, including the brain.”

Dr. Rain Sim

Parents must remain vigilant

Encouraging the community while encouraging vigilance, doctors pointed out that there has been no significant increase in measles cases in the UAE.

Dr Sherif Mohamed Mosaad Kamel, consultant pediatrician and neonatologist, Zulekha Hospital Dubai, said: “The UAE has not reported a significant increase. Parents should remain alert for symptoms and ensure their children are vaccinated to maintain this status. As of Nov. 2, there is no publicly available data indicating a significant increase in measles cases here.

Dr. Sherif Mohamed Mosaad Kamel

“The UAE maintains high vaccination coverage, which has been effective in preventing outbreaks. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective method of prevention. 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 the spread of measles, causing an epidemic.

“Covid isolation, as well as previous misinformation about the vaccine, has compromised vaccination uptake and previously achieved herd immunity. This has caused a global resurgence of previously rare childhood diseases, including measles,” added Dr Rain Sim.

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Nandini Sircar

Nandini Sircar has a penchant for education, space and women’s narratives. She sees the world through a lens of learning: whether it’s the earthly pursuit of wisdom or the otherworldly mysteries of space. In her written universe, women and children take center stage.