Dubai: For new parents, one of the biggest decisions they will have to make, early in their child’s life, has to do with immunisation – what vaccine does my child need and when?

The UAE has simplified the answer. The country’s National Immunisation Programme provides a comprehensive, mandatory vaccination schedule for children, from birth through adolescence – and it’s completely free.

Here’s a breakdown of the programme, the vaccination schedule, and how to register for it in Dubai.

What is the National Immunisation Programme?

The UAE’s world-class public health system relies on robust programmes, such as the National Immunisation Programme, to control the spread of infectious diseases.

The Programme was introduced in the 1980s, and is overseen at the federal level by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), with emirate-specific entities, such as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Department of Health Abu Dhabi, applying it locally.   

The initiative has undergone several updates since its launch, in line with international guidelines in protecting children from communicable diseases.

In 2020, MOHAP further enhanced vaccine-related legislation, on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, by issuing the National Policy on Vaccinations. This Policy established a multi-sectoral national framework that coordinates across government bodies to combat infectious diseases and reduce risks to the community.

As part of the framework, the UAE increased its coverage of vaccination services, launched awareness initiatives, provided high-quality supply chains and effective vaccine management, and strengthened its capabilities for controlling vaccine-preventable diseases across the board.

Are children’s vaccines free in the UAE?

Thanks to its robust vaccination policies and programmes, the UAE offers free immunisation services for residents, specifically children, from birth up to 18 years, at its public health facilities.

You will, however, require a health card before you book an appointment for your child – the card costs Dh120 and is valid for one year. Learn how to apply for a health card.

Which diseases does the National Immunisation Programme cover?

According to MOHAP, here are the diseases covered by the full immunisation schedule. Familiarise yourself with their acronyms so you can understand the immunisation schedule below:

  • BCG: Bacillus, Calmette-Guerin against tuberculosis
  • DPT: Diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus
  • DTaP: Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis
  • TdaP: Tetanus, reduced diphtheria and reduced pertussis
  • Hep B: Hepatitis B
  • Hib: Haemophilus influenzae Type B
  • HPV: Human papillomavirus
  • IPV: Inactivated poliovirus vaccine
  • MMR: Measles, mumps and rubella
  • OPV: Oral poliovirus vaccine
  • PCV: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
  • Varicella vaccine
  • Meningococcal vaccine

Children’s immunisation schedule

The updated children's immunisation schedule, issued by the DHA in 'A Parent's Handbook On Childhood Vaccinations'. Picture credit: DHA

As per the latest National Immunisation Programme, published by the DHA in September 2025, and which includes expanded coverage, here is the immunisation schedule parents must follow in the UAE:

At birth: BCG and Hepatitis B vaccines

At two months: Hib, DTaP, IPV, PCV, and Rotavirus vaccines

At four months: Hib, DTaP, IPV, PCV, and Rotavirus vaccines

At six months: Hepatitis B, Hib, DTP, OPV, PCV, and Rotavirus vaccines

At 12 months: MMR and Varicella vaccines

At 18 months: Hib, DTaP, OPV, IPV, and MMR vaccines

At five to six years: DTaP, OPV, IPV, and Varicella vaccines

At 13 to 14 years: HPV – first and second doses

At 15 to 18 years: Tdap and meningococcal vaccine

How to book a vaccination appointment

You can book an appointment for your child’s vaccination at any authorised health centre. Follow this three-step process.

Step 1: Gather documents required

Before booking an appointment, ensure you have the following documents ready to present:

  • Passport for both parents
  • Emirates ID for both parents
  • Tenancy contract or latest utility bill
  • Child’s passport
  • Child’s birth certificate
  • Child’s vaccination book
  • Child’s passport photograph

Step 2: Make an appointment

You can schedule your child's vaccination through the Dubai Health website, their smart app, or by calling their 24/7 Customer Experience Team at 800 60. Although some facilities offer walk-in services, it’s best to make an appointment so that you can be rest assured your child will receive his/her vaccination promptly and not have to wait.

Follow these steps to book through the Dubai Health website or app, as the process is the same for both:

  • Visit Dubai Health at dubaihealth.ae, or download the Dubai Health app, available on Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
  • Log in using your UAE PASS.
  • Navigate to ‘Book an appointment’.
  • Select ‘Paediatric’ services. You can pick a doctor whose practice is located close to you, and select a convenient time and date.

Step 3: Take your child for immunisation

Remember to take your documents, including the child’s health card, along for the appointment.

Fee: The service is free of cost.