Keeping your child up to date matters. This guide explains how to get vaccination certificate in UAE and practical steps for infant immunisations. It draws on official UAE health portals and recent ministry guidance.
- Quick overview of the system
- Who provides vaccinations
- Cost and eligibility
- The infant schedule — what parents should know
- Polio: current actions and safety
- Where and how to get shots
- How to get the official vaccination certificate
- Record keeping and school requirements
- Practical tips for parents
- Final note on safety and verification
- FAQs
Quick overview of the system
The UAE runs a National Immunization Program across its emirates. Government health authorities publish the schedule and run campaigns. You can use public clinics, private hospitals, and designated travel clinics. The national vaccination in UAE record links to the Al Hosn platform.
Who provides vaccinations
Public primary health centres give routine childhood jabs. Dubai Health, Abu Dhabi Health, and Sharjah Health Services each manage local delivery. Private hospitals also provide the same vaccines. For most routine vaccines, government centres follow the national schedule.
Cost and eligibility
Government centres offer free routine vaccines for children under five. Each emirate has clear guidance for residents. Private clinics commonly charge for vaccination in UAE, and insurance coverage varies by plan — some plans (e.g., Thiqa and selected enhanced commercial plans) cover paediatric vaccines, but others do not. Always check your insurer’s Schedule of Benefits before assuming coverage. Check the local health authority for exact fees.
The infant schedule — what parents should know
The UAE follows internationally recognised timetables. Babies begin their schedule at birth and continue through early childhood. Vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib, pneumococcus, rotavirus, and MMR appear at set ages. The programme typically gives polio doses both as injectable IPV and as oral OPV, depending on age and the specific local schedule.
The polio vaccine in UAE programme uses IPV within the hexavalent vaccine at 2, 4 and 6 months, and the bOPV (oral polio) doses appear in official tables at 6 months, 18 months, and again at school (Grade 1).
That same official schedule lists MMR at around 12 months, with boosters later. Keep your child’s vaccination card. It records each dose and the date. Clinics will schedule follow-up doses for you.
Polio: current actions and safety
The UAE runs national polio awareness and catch-up campaigns when needed. In 2025, MOHAP launched a national polio immunisation drive to increase coverage and prevent virus importation. The campaign urges caregivers to verify vaccines and to bring children for missed doses. Such campaigns reinforce routine services.
If you ask about the polio vaccine in UAE, know that the service forms part of the routine child schedule. Health centres follow WHO-aligned guidance. Keep records and follow public notices during campaigns. Parents searching for polio vaccine in UAE options will also find it at licensed private hospitals, though public centres remain the main provider.
Where and how to get shots
- Register: create a UAEPASS login or register with your local health authority. Many centres use UAEPASS for appointments.
- Book an appointment: use the emirate’s portal, the health app, or call the clinic. Dubai Health offers online booking, for example.
- Bring ID: take the child’s passport or Emirates ID. Clinics ask for one of these for record-keeping.
- Attend the clinic: you will receive the vaccine and a paper vaccination card. The clinic notes the lot number, date, and next appointment.
For travel-related vaccines or the International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card), use designated travel clinics or public preventive-vaccination services. These provide the official international card on request. Fees may apply for the first issuance.
How to get the official vaccination certificate
If you need an official document, follow these steps.
- Get your child vaccinated at a recognised health facility. The clinic records every shot.
- Use the Al Hosn app or the local health portal to view records. Al Hosn added an “Immunization vaccines” feature. It lets you generate certificates for travel or school.
- In Dubai, you can download an official general vaccination e-certificate through the DHA portal. Use your MRN, Emirates ID, or passport to request it. The service is free where offered.
- For international proof, ask the clinic for the WHO International Certificate of Vaccination when relevant. Public travel clinics normally issue it. Fees may apply.
If you search for how to get vaccination certificate in UAE, start with the emirate where you live. Use Al Hosn for a national digital copy. For local paper certificates, contact your health authority.
Record keeping and school requirements
Schools require proof of immunisation. Keep both the paper card and a digital record. Many emirates integrate school checks with the national programme. If a dose is missing, the school will direct you to a clinic.
Practical tips for parents
• Keep the vaccination card in a safe place.
• Set reminders for follow-up doses. Clinics will usually schedule them for you.
• If you miss a dose, do not restart the series. Clinics complete an interrupted schedule per guidelines.
Many parents also ask about child vaccination in UAE at private hospitals. Private providers follow the national schedule. They may charge fees depending on the clinic and insurance plan, but they issue the same official vaccination documentation.
Final note on safety and verification
All routine vaccines used in the UAE meet national licensing standards. If you see a public campaign, follow the official guidance. Confirm any temporary measures on the health authority website for your emirate.
FAQs
Q: How do I get an official travel vaccination document?
A: Visit a designated travel clinic or a public preventive vaccination centre. Request the WHO International Certificate. You can also generate a digital certificate via Al Hosn for many vaccines.
Q: Is routine child vaccination in UAE free?
A: Public centres provide routine childhood vaccines free for the target groups, especially for children under five. Private clinics charge fees. Check local health authority pages for details.
Q: Which polio doses will my child get?
A: The programme uses both IPV and OPV. IPV is given within the hexavalent vaccine at 2, 4 and 6 months. OPV doses are scheduled at 6 months, 18 months, and again at school age (Grade 1). Health circulars and the WHO schedule describe the exact timing. If you worry, contact your clinic.
Q: Where can I learn more about how to get vaccination certificate in UAE?
A: Start with the Ministry of Health and your emirate’s health portal. Use Al Hosn for a digital copy. For Dubai, the DHA e-services page allows users to download a vaccination certificate.
Q: Does the UAE run polio campaigns?
A: Yes. The ministry runs national polio drives when coverage needs reinforcement. Recent announcements urged parents to verify their children’s polio doses. Follow local notices to join catch-up campaigns.
