Travel Vaccinations & Advice for UAE

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village, the Dubai Museum etc. are a real treat to your eyes. Be it the amazing experience of desert safari in Dubai, local sightseeing tours or mesmerising cruise view, this place got something special for you.

Well, if you are planning to visit Dubai, don’t forget to fix your due vaccination! Here’s why.

Healthcare in Dubai

Dubai has a high standard of healthcare, where the life expectancy is 76 years and infant death is 7 per 1000 births. This indicates the quality of healthcare prevails in the country. The healthcare services are availed either public or private. Whatever it is, both offers high standards of healthcare. With this, the country is quite strict about spreading awareness of the illness and preventive measures including vaccinations.

Vaccinations for Dubai

While leaving for Dubai, you’ll need to be familiar with the required vaccination, especially if you’re going to visit other countries in the region too. You can consult your doctor about the past vaccination or what vaccination will be required as per your destination. You should visit your physician at least 4 to 8 weeks before the exact travel dates.

Recommended Vaccinations

Your vaccinations should be up to date. Especially if you’re travelling with kids. Vaccinations for Dubai may include- DTP vaccine, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), Rabies, Polio. It is also advisable to be vaccinated against hepatitis A or B as well, depending on the activities you’ve planned for.

Additional Tips for Travellers:

• When in Dubai, the possibility of catching Dengue fever is higher. Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease, if precautions are not taken properly, it may lead to a severe health condition. Usually, the risk is higher in urban and residential areas. So, avoid getting mosquito bites or use a repellent while travelling to protect yourself from the virus.
• Around 7% of the population in UAE suffer from Hepatitis B virus. The virus is transmitted by bodily fluid and infected blood. In case you haven’t taken the vaccination earlier, you should fix this before travelling to Dubai. Hepatitis virus can be spread via sharing needles, unprotected physical relation or while receiving dental treatment.
• Malaria is not common in Dubai, so no vaccination is required. However, if you are planning to the neighbouring region, you should talk to your doctor, regarding preventive medicines for Malaria.
• Don’t forget to take medical copies about your last visits to the doctor. Having the records of your medical history will the doctors in Dubai access your medical history in case of an emergency.
• As per the Dubai Law, emigrants are tested for HIV/AIDS and in case of positive reports, the person is deported immediately. You can’t even appeal for this process. Better, have a blood test done before travelling to Dubai.

Hospitals in Dubai

The hospitals in Dubai are run under the Dubai Health Authority. These hospitals provide in-patient and out-patient services, with 24-hour casualty service. There are near about 18 private hospitals in Dubai with every necessary facility. In case of a life-threatening condition, you can dial emergency number 999. This is the contact number of emergency ambulance service in Dubai. Some of the hospitals in Dubai are:

• Al Baraha Hospital
• Al Wasl Hospital
• Al Maktoum Hospital
• Iranian Hospital
• Rashid Hospital
• Al Zahra Hospital Dubai
• Dental clinic Dubai
• Armada Medical Centre JLT
• Canadian Specialist Hospital
• Dubai Hospital

Take Care of Yourself!

While travelling to Dubai, take small precautions. After all, prevention is the only key!

• Get vaccinated before travelling
• Eat and drink safely abroad
• Avoid sharing body fluids
• Avoid using non-sterile medical equipment such as needle
• Keep yourself away from animals
• Reduce the exposure to germs