UAE Baby Vaccine Schedule 2026: Complete Immunization Guide
As a parent in the UAE, you want to protect your baby from preventable diseases. Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we have—they’ve eliminated or dramatically reduced diseases that once killed or disabled thousands of children every year.
But the vaccination schedule can seem overwhelming. Multiple vaccines at different ages, combination shots, boosters—how do you keep track? This guide breaks down the complete UAE baby vaccination schedule, explains each vaccine, and answers the questions parents most commonly ask.
At myPediaClinic in Dubai, we administer vaccines following the UAE Ministry of Health schedule and help parents understand why each shot matters for their child’s health.
Understanding the UAE Vaccination Schedule
The UAE follows a comprehensive immunization program that aligns with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations while addressing region-specific health needs. Vaccines are provided free at government health centers, and the schedule is also followed by private pediatric clinics.
Why Vaccines Are Given at Specific Ages
The vaccination schedule isn’t arbitrary. Each vaccine is timed based on:
- When protection is needed: Vaccines are given when babies become vulnerable to diseases
- When the immune system responds best: Some vaccines need a mature enough immune system to work
- When maternal antibodies wane: Antibodies passed from mother during pregnancy fade over time
- Disease risk periods: Some diseases are most dangerous at certain ages
Complete UAE Baby Vaccination Schedule
At Birth
| Vaccine | Protects Against |
|---|---|
| BCG | Tuberculosis (TB) |
| Hepatitis B (first dose) | Hepatitis B virus |
BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin): Protects against severe forms of tuberculosis, particularly TB meningitis which can be devastating in young children. Given as an injection in the upper arm, it typically leaves a small scar.
Hepatitis B: The first dose is given within 24 hours of birth to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Hepatitis B can cause chronic liver disease and liver cancer.
At 2 Months
| Vaccine | Protects Against |
|---|---|
| DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB (Hexavalent) | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Hepatitis B |
| PCV (Pneumococcal) | Pneumococcal disease (pneumonia, meningitis, ear infections) |
| Rotavirus (oral) | Rotavirus gastroenteritis |
Hexavalent vaccine (6-in-1): This combination vaccine protects against six diseases in one injection, reducing the number of shots needed.
Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13): Protects against 13 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria that cause pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections.
Rotavirus: An oral vaccine (drops, not injection) that prevents severe diarrhea and vomiting caused by rotavirus—the leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children.
At 4 Months
| Vaccine | Protects Against |
|---|---|
| DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB (second dose) | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Hib, Hepatitis B |
| PCV (second dose) | Pneumococcal disease |
| Rotavirus (second dose) | Rotavirus |
Second doses of the vaccines given at 2 months. Multiple doses build stronger, longer-lasting immunity.
At 6 Months
| Vaccine | Protects Against |
|---|---|
| DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB (third dose) | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Hib, Hepatitis B |
| PCV (third dose) | Pneumococcal disease |
| Rotavirus (third dose, if applicable) | Rotavirus |
Note: Some rotavirus vaccines require only two doses; others require three. Your pediatrician will advise based on the vaccine brand used.
Influenza (flu) vaccine: Starting at 6 months, annual flu vaccination is recommended for all children. This is especially important for children with chronic health conditions.
At 12 Months (1 Year)
| Vaccine | Protects Against |
|---|---|
| MMR (first dose) | Measles, Mumps, Rubella |
| PCV (booster) | Pneumococcal disease |
| Meningococcal (MenACWY) | Meningococcal meningitis |
MMR: Protects against three viral diseases. Measles can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, and death. Mumps can cause meningitis and deafness. Rubella can cause severe birth defects if a pregnant woman is infected.
Meningococcal vaccine: Protects against bacterial meningitis, a life-threatening infection of the brain and spinal cord lining.
At 18 Months
| Vaccine | Protects Against |
|---|---|
| DTaP-IPV-Hib (booster) | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Hib |
| Hepatitis A (first dose) | Hepatitis A virus |
| Varicella (first dose) | Chickenpox |
Hepatitis A: Protects against the hepatitis A virus, which causes liver infection spread through contaminated food and water.
Varicella (chickenpox): Chickenpox can cause serious complications including bacterial skin infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis.
At 24 Months (2 Years)
| Vaccine | Protects Against |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A (second dose) | Hepatitis A |
At 4-6 Years (Pre-School)
| Vaccine | Protects Against |
|---|---|
| DTaP-IPV (booster) | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio |
| MMR (second dose) | Measles, Mumps, Rubella |
| Varicella (second dose) | Chickenpox |
Understanding Each Vaccine
Diseases Prevented by Vaccination
Diphtheria: A serious bacterial infection causing a thick coating in the throat that can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and death.
Tetanus (lockjaw): Caused by bacteria in soil. Causes painful muscle stiffening and can be fatal. Even a small cut can become infected.
Pertussis (whooping cough): Highly contagious respiratory disease with severe coughing spells. Can be life-threatening in infants.
Polio: Can cause permanent paralysis. Largely eliminated thanks to vaccination, but still exists in some parts of the world.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): Causes meningitis, pneumonia, and other serious infections in young children.
Hepatitis B: Causes chronic liver infection, liver failure, and liver cancer. Can be transmitted from mother to child at birth.
Pneumococcal disease: Leading cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections in children.
Rotavirus: Most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide.
Measles: Highly contagious virus causing fever, rash, and potentially fatal complications including pneumonia and encephalitis.
Mumps: Causes swelling of salivary glands and can lead to meningitis, deafness, and other complications.
Rubella (German measles): Usually mild but devastating to unborn babies if mother is infected during pregnancy.
Varicella (chickenpox): Common childhood illness that can cause serious complications including bacterial infections and pneumonia.
Hepatitis A: Liver infection spread through contaminated food or water, common in areas with poor sanitation.
Meningococcal disease: Bacterial infection causing meningitis and blood infection (septicemia). Can be fatal within hours.
What to Expect at Vaccination Appointments
Before the Appointment
- Bring your child’s vaccination record
- Tell the doctor about any allergies, previous reactions, or current illnesses
- Let them know if your child has any immune system problems
- You can give a feeding before the appointment to help comfort baby afterward
During the Appointment
- Hold your baby securely during injections
- Stay calm—babies pick up on parent anxiety
- Breastfeeding during or immediately after vaccination can help with pain
- Oral vaccines are given as drops in the mouth
After Vaccination
Common reactions (normal and temporary):
- Soreness at injection site
- Low-grade fever
- Fussiness
- Mild swelling or redness at injection site
- Decreased appetite
- Sleepiness
To help your baby:
- Give extra cuddles and comfort
- Apply a cool cloth to the injection site
- Give paracetamol if needed for fever or discomfort (check with your doctor about dosing)
- Move the vaccinated arm or leg gently to reduce soreness
When to Call the Doctor
Contact your pediatrician if your baby has:
- Fever over 39°C (102°F)
- Crying for more than 3 hours
- Signs of allergic reaction (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing)—seek immediate care
- Seizure
- Unusual behavior that concerns you
Serious reactions are rare. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the small risks.
Catch-Up Vaccination
If your child missed vaccines or you’re unsure about their vaccination status:
- It’s never too late to catch up
- Bring any vaccination records you have
- Your pediatrician will create a catch-up schedule
- Most vaccines can be given at accelerated intervals if needed
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Vaccines
Are vaccines safe?
Yes. Vaccines undergo rigorous testing before approval and continued monitoring afterward. Serious side effects are extremely rare. The diseases vaccines prevent are far more dangerous than any vaccine side effects.
Can my baby get too many vaccines at once?
No. Babies’ immune systems handle thousands of antigens (foreign substances) daily. Vaccines contain only a tiny fraction of what the immune system already deals with. Combination vaccines have been studied and are safe.
Do vaccines cause autism?
No. This myth originated from a fraudulent study that has been thoroughly debunked and retracted. Numerous large studies involving millions of children have found no connection between vaccines and autism.
What if my baby is sick on vaccination day?
Minor illnesses (mild cold, low-grade fever) are usually not reasons to delay vaccination. If your child has a more serious illness, your pediatrician will advise whether to postpone.
Can I delay or spread out vaccines?
Alternative schedules leave children vulnerable to disease for longer periods without proven benefits. The recommended schedule is designed to provide protection when children need it most.
What’s in vaccines?
Vaccines contain antigens (weakened or killed germs, or parts of germs) that train the immune system. They also contain small amounts of other ingredients that preserve the vaccine, enhance immune response, or prevent contamination. All ingredients are extensively tested for safety.
Do breastfed babies still need vaccines?
Yes. While breastfeeding provides some immune protection, it doesn’t protect against all vaccine-preventable diseases. Breastfed babies need the same vaccines on the same schedule.
What if I’m traveling internationally?
Depending on your destination, additional vaccines may be recommended. Consult your pediatrician at least 4-6 weeks before travel for travel vaccination advice.
Are there vaccines for older children?
Yes. Boosters continue through childhood. Additional vaccines are recommended for adolescents, including HPV vaccine (protects against cervical and other cancers) and Tdap booster.
How do I keep track of vaccinations?
Keep your child’s vaccination record (the card or booklet given by your healthcare provider) safe. In the UAE, vaccination records are also stored electronically through the health system.
What if I lose the vaccination record?
Contact the clinic or hospital where vaccines were given. Electronic records can be retrieved through the UAE health system (NABIDH in Dubai, Malaffi in Abu Dhabi).
Can premature babies receive vaccines?
Generally yes, on the same schedule based on chronological age (not corrected age). Some slight modifications may be made based on individual circumstances. Your pediatrician will advise.
Protecting Your Baby Through Vaccination
Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements in history. They protect not only your child but also others who cannot be vaccinated—newborns too young for certain vaccines, people with weakened immune systems, and those who can’t receive vaccines for medical reasons.
When enough people are vaccinated, diseases can’t spread easily, protecting everyone. This “community immunity” has helped eliminate smallpox and nearly eliminate polio worldwide.
At myPediaClinic, we follow the UAE vaccination schedule and take time to answer all your questions about vaccines. We believe informed parents make the best decisions for their children’s health.
Book an appointment to keep your child’s vaccinations on track.
