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According to Dr. Osama Elsayed Rezk Elassy, clinical assistant professor and division head of the Center for Pediatrics and Neonatology at Thumbay University Hospital, recommended routine vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (DTaP). , polio, chickenpox and hepatitis B. Dr. Elassy explains: “These vaccines are usually given during infancy and childhood and provide protection against common diseases.”
Optional vaccines, recommended after consultation with a pediatrician, include the meningococcal vaccine, which is given between one and two years of age. Highlighting the importance of this vaccine, Dr. Ashok Kumar Verma, Pediatric Specialist, Aster Clinic, RAK, points out that “meningococcal disease is life-threatening, making this vaccine vital.”
Other vaccines for this age group include typhoid fever, hepatitis A, and annual influenza vaccine beginning at six months of age.
For children over five years old, Dr. Elassy recommends making sure they receive the second dose of the chickenpox vaccine and at least one dose of the typhoid vaccine. In addition, at the age of 10 they should receive the DT (diphtheria and tetanus) vaccine along with a booster against hepatitis B. “From the age of 12, it is recommended to administer the first dose of the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine. , followed by the second dose six months later,” he advises. “Finally, every ten years, children should receive a DT vaccine to maintain their protection.”
Growing distrust has led some parents to delay or even refuse to vaccinate their children, leading to the resurgence of diseases such as measles, whooping cough (whooping cough) and mumps. Fear of side effects from vaccines is the main reason for refusing them, partly fueled by negative messages on social media.
To alleviate these fears, Dr. Elassy says UAE regulatory bodies subject vaccines to rigorous testing, including preclinical research and multiple stages of clinical trials, to assess safety and effectiveness. Post-approval surveillance systems continually monitor any adverse effects. “By providing evidence-based information, dispelling myths, discussing disease risks, and encouraging open communication, doctors and pediatricians can help parents,” emphasizes Dr. Elassy. “To alleviate parents’ concerns and promote well-informed decisions, it is essential to discuss potential side effects and underscore the importance of vaccines in maintaining public health.”
Dr. Kumar agrees, emphasizing that in the post-coronavirus pandemic era, vaccine safety is a primary concern. He highlights that all vaccines undergo rigorous clinical trials in both animals and humans for more than a decade to evaluate their effectiveness and safety. “Vaccines for children have no or minimal side effects,” Dr. Kumar notes. “Parents have the right to discuss all details of vaccination with their pediatrician before making a decision.”
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