Rota virus vaccination free at Dubai clinics

The vaccination against rotavirus has become part of the federal extended program for immunisation (EPI), and will be provided free-of-cost at primary health clinics of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to children born in 2014.

This was announced by the DHA today. Ahmad bin Kalban, CEO of Hospital Services Sector and Shared Support Sector at the DHA said: “The vaccine will be provided free-of-cost to local and expatriate babies born this year, who have a valid DHA health card and are eligible under the EPI scheme.”

The vaccination was always available, but as it was not included in the EPI it was provided against a cost. With the inclusion of the vaccination in the immunisation scheme, these costs have been waived.

Ali Sayed, Director of Pharmacy at the DHA said:   “Rota virus is an oral vaccine provided in two doses- the first dose is for children aged two months and the second dose is provided at four months. It is an oral vaccine and helps prevent against rotavirus gastroenteritis, which is a severe condition that often leads to hospitalization.

“Rotavirus gastroenteritis causes severe lose motions, vomiting and fever. We are very glad that this vaccine will now be part of the updated childhood vaccination schedule,” he added.

Kalban commented: “Eligibility for obtaining this vaccine from DHA PHCs is for babies born on or after 1st of January 2014.The  DHA primary healthcare centres will begin administering the first dose of this vaccine for babies who have completed two months.”

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