Review your child's vaccination record before kindergarten starts

For parents getting a child ready for kindergarten, checking the child's vaccination record is an essential step before school begins. Health experts across the UAE are urging parents to review vaccination records early, particularly if a child has received vaccines in another country or if parents are unsure whether any doses have been missed.

By kindergarten age, children should have received routine infant and early-childhood vaccines covering illnesses such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib, hepatitis B, pneumococcal disease, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and meningococcal disease, as applicable to the schedule followed.

Dr. Sundus Khuder, consultant paediatrician at RAK Hospital, advises parents to take the child's official vaccination card or record to a paediatrician, primary healthcare centre, or school-health service and have it compared with the UAE's age-appropriate schedule. The important point is not simply that the child 'has been vaccinated,' but that the number of doses, ages at administration, and intervals between doses are appropriate.

Dr. Shahid Gauhar, specialist neonatologist and paediatrician at Prime Hospital, recommends arranging a paediatric consultation four to six weeks before school starts. Parents should take all vaccination cards and previous medical records to the appointment, including records from another country. After completing the required doses, parents should obtain an updated vaccination certificate for the school.