Essential Travel Vaccines in the UAE: Costs, Key Information, and List of Jabs

Are you planning to travel outside the UAE? Preparing for an international trip involves more than booking flight tickets and packing your bags. It is essential to be aware of the potential health risks in your destination and take necessary precautions to protect yourself.

You may need to be vaccinated against diseases as international travel increases your chances of getting and spreading diseases that are rare or not found in the UAE. The travellers’ vaccinations service provides residents with medical consultation and the recommended vaccines against diseases in other countries as per Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.

Almost all public health centres, clinics, and private hospitals in the UAE provide residents with travellers’ vaccines. Schedule your travel consultation at least 4-6 weeks before your departure. Some vaccines should be given well in advance to allow the body time to develop immunity.

Vaccinations may depend upon your destination, travel duration, planned activities, and individual health profile. However, here’s a general overview:

– Hepatitis A & B: Protects against liver inflammation caused by contaminated food or water.
– Typhoid fever: A bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated water or food.
– Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): Safeguards against muscle spasms and respiratory distress, respectively.
– Rabies: A fatal viral infection transmitted through animal bites. Considered high-risk in some regions.
– Meningococcal Meningitis: Bacterial meningitis affecting the brain and spinal cord. Certain strains are prevalent in specific countries.

Vaccinations based on destination & activities:

– Malaria: Mosquito-borne parasitic infection endemic in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. Medication or vaccination options are available.
– Japanese Encephalitis: Viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes in Southeast Asia. Vaccination is recommended for travel during the monsoon season.
– Yellow Fever: Mosquito-borne viral illness prevalent in parts of Africa and South America. Vaccination required for entry to some countries.
– Haemorrhagic Fever Viruses: These can include Dengue Fever, Zika Virus, and Ebola Virus. Vaccination options vary depending on the specific virus and region.

Besides the above-mentioned, CDC also lists more possible vaccines that you may need to get for the first time or boosters before you travel, including Covid-19, Chickenpox, Cholera, Flu (Influenza), MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Pneumococcal, Polio, and Shingles.

It is mandatory to take all required doses of vaccination, especially influenza, and to follow all instructions and precautions before UAE pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Haj rituals. The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention has confirmed that it will be required to present influenza vaccination cards for travelers to Saudi Arabia.

Consult a family medicine doctor to seek advice if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant or breastfeeding, have an immune deficiency disease, have any type of allergy, or may need a prescription to prevent you from contracting Malaria.

Vaccines should not be administered to any patient who has previously experienced an allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine. A medical certificate is required for people with immune deficiencies and cancer patients who are undergoing treatment. Vaccines should not be administered to patients with moderate to severe health conditions at the time of vaccination. In case of traveling children, ensure that all vaccinations are administered according to the National Immunization Programme based on the doses specified for the stage of childhood development.

Service fees for vaccinations vary, with some being free for UAE nationals and residents, while others have specific charges. It is essential to check with the respective health authorities for the latest information on service fees and requirements.

In conclusion, staying informed about the necessary vaccinations for your travel destination is crucial to ensure a safe and healthy trip. Make sure to consult with healthcare professionals and follow their recommendations to protect yourself and others from potential health risks while traveling internationally.