Medical specialists advise reviewing international vaccination records, scheduling catch-up doses, and securing updated compliance certificates ahead of the new academic year.
DUBAI, August 18, 2026:Health experts across the United Arab Emirates are advising parents preparing young children for kindergarten to review and verify vaccination records four to six weeks before the academic term begins. The guidance aims to ensure compliance with the UAE National Immunization Program and prevent delays in school admission.
Paediatricians and infectious disease specialists stress that early record checks are critical, particularly for families relocating from abroad or those uncertain about missing doses. Reviewing records weeks in advance allows sufficient time to establish catch-up schedules, administer required boosters, and obtain certified documentation for school authorities.
According to Dr. Sundus Khuder, consultant paediatrician at RAK Hospital, evaluating a child’s history involves more than verifying whether shots were received. Healthcare providers must verify that doses were administered at appropriate ages and following mandatory intervals. By age five, children should have received coverage against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis B, pneumococcal disease, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and meningococcal disease.
Dr. Ensiyeh Rahimi, infectious disease specialist at Laser Medical Centre, emphasized that vaccination cards issued outside the UAE must clearly state vaccine names and administration dates. Children reaching five years of age require evaluation for routine boosters, including DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis), polio, chickenpox, and two valid doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Seasonal influenza vaccination is also recommended for children six months and older.
When records show gaps or missing doses, doctors reassure parents that children do not need to restart the entire vaccination series. Authorized health centers can construct personalized catch-up plans to bring immunizations up to date safely.
Addressing common parental hesitations regarding side effects and multiple concurrent injections, Dr. Siddharth Arora, specialist paediatrician at Medcare Women and Children Hospital, noted that typical post-vaccination reactions are mild and short-lived, limited mostly to low-grade fever or localized soreness.
Medical specialists reinforce that multi-vaccine consultations are clinically proven safe and effective. Dr. Shahid Gauhar, specialist neonatologist and paediatrician at Prime Hospital, reiterated that extensive scientific evidence confirms routine immunizations do not cause autism. Paediatricians urge parents to seek medical advice from accredited healthcare professionals and official health authorities rather than unverified online sources.
Completing necessary catch-up doses and obtaining an updated vaccination certificate early ensures smooth enrollment while safeguarding school communities against preventable childhood illnesses.
