UAE ministry launches shingles vaccine under adult vaccination program

The ministry made this announcement at its headquarters in Dubai during a scientific session attended by Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Deputy Undersecretary for Public Health Sector, heads of various administrations and ministerial departments and representatives of health authorities. local.

The session highlighted the need to raise awareness about the importance of preventive vaccination for specific groups, focusing on vaccination against shingles and improving the capabilities of healthcare workers by increasing their knowledge on the latest global recommendations on shingles. .

These efforts will contribute to reducing the health burden derived from diseases that could be prevented by increasing the national vaccination coverage rate, the ministry said.

Al Rand highlighted the need to integrate the well-known shingles vaccine into the recommended vaccines in the national adult vaccination program with the aim of preventing infectious diseases and increasing the vaccine coverage rate.

This involves creating a vaccination policy to maintain high vaccination coverage, staying up-to-date on global progress, and establishing a robust immunization system that promotes public health and quality of life for UAE residents.

Al Rand noted that the UAE is considered a global leader in the field of vaccination, thanks to its visionary leadership and through its provision of all relevant cadres and capabilities to advance the development of the national vaccination ecosystem by improving its sustainability. and preventive advantage. .

“These actions preserve the health and well-being of Emirati society while meeting public health objectives, in line with the Ministry’s strategic priorities of developing the national health system and protecting the public from communicable diseases through measures proactive measures that follow international best practices. he added.

A person develops shingles when the same virus that causes chickenpox reactivates in his or her system. A shingles infection usually causes a skin rash and painful blisters that usually appear on one side of the body. The shingles vaccine can protect against both the disease and associated complications, the ministry highlighted.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults age 50 and older receive two doses of the shingles vaccine to prevent shingles and complications of the disease. Adults 19 and older who have or will have weakened immune systems due to illness or therapy should also receive two doses, according to the CDC.