As a parent in Dubai, keeping your child up to date with their vaccinations is one of the most important and most straightforward things you can do to protect their health. The UAE has one of the most comprehensive national immunisation programmes in the world, regularly updated to reflect the latest recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). Vaccination coverage in the UAE consistently exceeds 95% a testament to the nation's commitment to child health and disease prevention. But with so many vaccines, so many ages, and so many appointments to track it can feel overwhelming for new parents and even for parents of older children who have moved to Dubai and are unsure where their child stands. Fakeeh Medicentres's paediatric team supports thousands of families across Dubai every year helping parents navigate the vaccination schedule with confidence, clarity, and expert care. This complete guide covers everything Dubai parents need to know about the UAE child vaccination schedule for 2026 from birth through to school age and beyond.
Before we walk through the schedule, it is worth understanding why vaccinations matter so profoundly — not just for your child, but for the entire community.
Vaccines train your child's immune system to recognise and fight specific diseases — without the child having to experience the illness itself. When a vaccinated child later encounters that disease, their immune system responds rapidly and effectively, preventing illness or significantly reducing its severity.
Not every child can be vaccinated — some are too young, some have medical conditions that prevent vaccination, and some are immunocompromised. When the majority of the community is vaccinated, the spread of disease is interrupted — protecting even those who cannot receive the vaccine themselves.
Global vaccination programmes have eradicated smallpox entirely and brought polio to the brink of eradication. In the UAE, diseases like diphtheria and measles — once significant causes of childhood death — are now extremely rare, almost entirely due to vaccination.
In the UAE, up-to-date vaccination is a requirement for school enrolment. Many vaccines are also recommended or mandatory for international travel. Staying on schedule protects your child's educational continuity and travel opportunities.
In the UAE, childhood vaccines fall into two categories:
These are part of the UAE National Immunisation Programme and are required for school enrolment. They are provided free of charge at government health centres and are available at private facilities including Fakeeh Medicentres.
These are not part of the mandatory national programme but are strongly recommended by paediatricians and international health organisations. They provide important additional protection against diseases that, while not covered by the mandatory schedule, carry significant health risks. Our paediatric team at Fakeeh Medicentres will guide you on which recommended vaccines are most appropriate for your child based on their age, health history, and risk factors.
If your child has missed scheduled vaccines — whether due to illness, travel, or a recent move to the UAE — do not worry. Catch-up vaccination is straightforward and highly effective.
At Fakeeh Medicentres, our paediatric team will:
The most important message about missed vaccines: it is never too late to catch up. Do not delay — come and see us.
If you have recently relocated to Dubai with children, navigating the UAE vaccination requirements can feel confusing — particularly if your child was vaccinated on a different schedule in your home country.
Here is what our team recommends:
Beyond the standard schedule, the following vaccines are strongly recommended by our paediatric team at Fakeeh Medicentres — particularly for children in Dubai given the travel, climate, and community exposure factors.
Keeping your child's vaccinations up to date is one of the most important gifts you can give them. At Fakeeh Medicentres, our experienced paediatric team makes the process smooth, safe, and stress-free — for both children and parents. Whether you need a routine vaccination visit, a catch-up schedule, travel vaccines, or a vaccination certificate for school — we are here for your family.
Protect your child today — so they can thrive tomorrow.
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