For new parents, one of the most important decisions during the first months of their child’s life is understanding the vaccination schedule—which vaccines the child should receive and when.

The UAE has simplified this process. The country’s National Immunisation Programme provides a comprehensive, mandatory vaccination schedule for children from birth through adolescence, with vaccines administered free of charge at government health centres.

Below is an overview of the vaccination schedule and how to register and book an appointment in Dubai.

🔵 What is the National Immunisation Programme?

The UAE’s public health system uses wide-ranging initiatives such as the National Immunisation Programme to control the spread of infectious diseases.

The programme was launched in the 1980s and is overseen at the federal level by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). Local authorities, including the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, are responsible for implementing it in each emirate.

The programme has been updated over the years in line with international standards to protect children against preventable diseases.

In 2020, following the Covid-19 pandemic, the National Policy on Vaccinations was also strengthened to improve cooperation among relevant authorities and reduce the risk of infectious diseases.

🔵 Are childhood vaccinations free in the UAE?

The UAE provides free childhood vaccination services for residents from birth to the age of 18 at government health centres.

However, parents must obtain a health card before booking an appointment. The card costs AED 120 and is valid for one year.

🔵 Which diseases do the vaccines protect against?

The UAE’s National Immunisation Programme covers the following:
• BCG: Tuberculosis vaccine
• DPT: Diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus
• DTaP: Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis
• Tdap: Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis with reduced doses
• Hep B: Hepatitis B
• Hib: Haemophilus influenzae type B
• HPV: Human papillomavirus
• IPV: Inactivated polio vaccine
• MMR: Measles, mumps and rubella
• OPV: Oral polio vaccine
• PCV: Pneumococcal vaccine
• Chickenpox vaccine
• Meningococcal vaccine

🔵 Childhood vaccination schedule in the UAE

According to the latest National Immunisation Programme published by the Dubai Health Authority in September 2025, the vaccination schedule is as follows:

🔹 At birth:
• BCG
• Hepatitis B

🔹 At two months:
• Hib
• DTaP
• IPV
• PCV
• Rotavirus

🔹 At four months:
• Hib
• DTaP
• IPV
• PCV
• Rotavirus

🔹 At six months:

• Hepatitis B
• Hib
• DTP
• OPV
• PCV
• Rotavirus

🔹 At 12 months:
• MMR
• Chickenpox

🔹 At 18 months:
• Hib
• DTaP
• OPV
• IPV
• MMR

🔹 At five to six years:
• DTaP
• OPV
• IPV
• Chickenpox

🔹 At 13 to 14 years:
• HPV, first and second doses

🔹 At 15 to 18 years:
• Tdap
• Meningococcal vaccine

🔵 How can parents book a childhood vaccination appointment in Dubai?

Parents can book a childhood vaccination appointment at any authorised healthcare facility.

1️⃣ Step one: Prepare the documents

Before attending, prepare the following documents:

• Passports of both parents
• Emirates IDs of both parents
• Tenancy contract or latest utility bill
• Child’s passport
• Child’s birth certificate
• Child’s vaccination record
• One passport-sized photograph of the child

2️⃣ Step two: Book an appointment

Vaccination appointments can be booked through the Dubai Health website or app, or by calling the 24-hour contact centre on 800 60.

To book online:

1. Visit the Dubai Health website or download the app.
2. Sign in using UAE PASS.
3. Select “Book an appointment”.
4. Choose Paediatric Services, then select your preferred doctor, date and time.

3️⃣ Step three: Attend the vaccination appointment

On the day of the appointment, bring all required documents, including the child’s health card.

⬅️ Vaccination cost: Free