UAE childhood vaccination guide: How to prepare your child, ease their fear and why the MMR-autism link is false

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority stressed the importance of adhering to medically recommended vaccination schedules for children, considering vaccinations as one of the most prominent means of preventing dangerous diseases and reducing the spread of infection. It emphasised the importance of preparing children psychologically before receiving vaccines, and providing them with support during and after vaccination, which helps to alleviate feelings of fear and anxiety and enhance their sense of security. Specifically, the authority outlined seven tips to help children overcome their fear of vaccination. These include: Listening to their concerns. Reassuring them that they will not be alone. Explaining the benefits of vaccines. Acknowledging their feelings and not minimising their fears. Honestly and clearly explaining what will happen during the vaccination. Using age-appropriate stories and books. Involving family members in supporting them. It also recommended four ways to support the child during and after vaccination: remaining calm, cuddling and staying by their side, using positive distractions, and utiliing breastfeeding to soothe infants. The agency emphasised in its ‘Parental Guide to Childhood Immunisation’ that receiving all recommended doses of each vaccine is essential for achieving the best possible level of protection. Some vaccines require more than one dose to build strong immunity, while other doses are given to boost immunity that may wane over time, or to complete the required protection when the first dose does not produce a sufficient immune response. Some vaccines also help provide protection against different or changing strains of pathogens, such as the influenza virus. The authority stressed that vaccines play a pivotal role in preventing infectious and serious diseases, including measles, polio and meningitis. High vaccination rates in the community also contribute to reducing the spread of infection and protecting groups most vulnerable to health complications, especially people who cannot be vaccinated or who suffer from a weakened immune system. It pointed out that vaccinations are cost-effective preventive health interventions, and that vaccines are subject to rigorous testing and evaluation to verify their safety and effectiveness according to approved standards. The World Health Organisation and the competent health authorities in the UAE promote adherence to recommended vaccinations as an essential means of disease prevention. It also emphasised the importance of positive communication with the child and preparing them psychologically before the vaccination appointment. This involves speaking to them in simple language appropriate to their age and level of understanding, explaining why they need the vaccine and what might happen during the visit, avoiding sensationalism or using phrases that could increase their fear. It recommended practicing calm breathing and arm relaxation techniques at home, listening to their concerns, and answering their questions clearly. It highlighted the crucial role of family members, especially older siblings, in providing support and encouragement and reinforcing the child's positive view of vaccination as an important step in maintaining their health. The authority pointed out the importance of taking into account the individual differences in children’s response to vaccination, and dealing with their feelings after receiving the vaccine by praising their cooperation and encouraging them without comparing them to others or asking them to hide their fears, stressing the need to follow the recommended vaccination schedule, and to contact the doctor if there are any inquiries or symptoms appear after vaccination, to ensure that the child receives appropriate health care. Autism myth The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority confirmed that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine does not cause autism spectrum disorder. It noted that numerous scientific studies have refuted claims linking the vaccine to the disorder, and that the spread of this rumour is partly due to the timing of the vaccine's administration coinciding with the age range at which signs of autism begin to appear or are diagnosed in many children, which is often between 18 and 30 months. The Authority stressed the importance of relying on trusted medical sources and avoiding the circulation of misleading information, pointing out that vaccines are available in government and private primary healthcare centres and hospitals throughout the UAE.