The Abu Dhabi Public Health Center has launched a comprehensive initiative to provide free measles vaccinations across 60 health centers and hospitals throughout the Emirate.
Abu Dhabi's Free Measles Vaccination Campaign
This campaign, aimed at bolstering immunity among children aged one to five years, offers an additional dose of the triple viral vaccine, covering measles, mumps, and rubella, irrespective of prior vaccination history or disease exposure.
Emphasizing the severity of measles complications, the center highlights risks such as pneumonia, encephalitis, hearing loss, and potentially fatal outcomes, particularly among young children, adults over 20, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure against measles outbreaks.
The center assures the public of the triple viral vaccine's safety and efficacy, adhering to rigorous standards set by the World Health Organization. With minimal reported side effects, the vaccine undergoes extensive testing before approval, ensuring quality and safety monitored through established health authority protocols.
During the campaign, all eligible children are encouraged to receive an additional dose of the triple viral vaccine, regardless of their previous immunization history. This approach accelerates herd immunity by rapidly reaching a large segment of the population, which is crucial for curtailing disease transmission.
Children receiving vaccines during the campaign are reminded to adhere to their regular vaccination schedules. Each dose contributes to enhanced immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella, reinforcing protection against these infectious diseases.
Managing side effects
While minor side effects such as local discomfort, mild fever, or body aches may occur briefly after vaccination, severe reactions are rare and manageable. The center advises prompt medical attention for any unexpected symptoms following vaccination.
Exclusions and Special Considerations
Certain individuals, including those with severe allergies to vaccine components, immune-compromised conditions (e.g., cancer, HIV/AIDS), or undergoing immunosuppressive treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, steroids), are exempt from receiving the vaccine as a precautionary measure.
Abu Dhabi's initiative underscores its commitment to public health through accessible and comprehensive vaccination programs. By promoting widespread immunization against measles and related diseases, the campaign aims to safeguard the community, particularly vulnerable populations, from preventable health risks. Continued vigilance and participation in vaccination efforts are crucial to maintaining community resilience against infectious outbreaks and ensuring a healthier future for all residents of Abu Dhabi.