25 April 2019

[Reminder] Updates In The National Expanded Program On Immunization(Epi)Schedule(Routine Immunization Schedule)

Reference: CIR-2019-00000209

To:  All healthcare facilities, vaccination services and vaccine licensed clinics in Dubai.

 

The Preventive Services Center at Dubai Health Authority is grateful for the continuous cooperation of all the healthcare facilities in Dubai towards achieving the shared goal of prevention and control of communicable diseases.

 

With reference to the above subject, Dubai health authority (DHA) in corporation with the Ministry of health and prevention (MOHAP) regularly updating the national immunization program schedule based on scientific evidence-based practices and recommendations from the higher  National immunization committeeand immunization technical advisory group.

 

 

Therefore, kindly be informed that MOHAP & DHA updated the Expanded program on immunization (EPI) as follows:

 

First: add oral polio vaccine (OPV) for children at the age of four months.

Second: Add triple viral (MMR) vaccine (measles, rubella,mumps) at age of 18 months.

Third: to give children two doses of chicken pox at the age of 12 months and at age 5 to 6 years. 

Fourth: replace vaccine diphtheria/tetanus (DT) by vaccine(Tdp/Tdap) diphtheria tetanus pertussis (cellular & acellular) for adult.

All healthcare facilities providing vaccination service in the Emirate of Dubai should be committed to the following:

·       Provide oral polio vaccine (OPV) as per MOHAP schedule at the age of 4, 6, and 18 months, and 5-6 years, even if the inactivated poliovaccine (IPV) is given for that age as separate antigen or as apart of combinedantigen.

·       School health services and health centers to continue MMR(2nd dose) immunization for 5-6 years old children, or who are in grade one if the child did not receive two doses of MMR at age of 12 and 18 months.

·       If the child have missed doses, the required doses should be given according to the type of vaccine and the age group of the child with commitment to the national immunization program.

We hope that all healthcare facilities (Governmental and private) in Dubai will adhere to the national immunization program and implement the new additions to the EPI schedule as of the publication date of this circular.

The changes in the Expanded program on immunization (EPI) schedule summarized in the enclosed table.

For EPI Schedule, please refer to the following link:

 

https://www.dha.gov.ae/Documents/Pediatric%20Immunization_POSTER.pdf

for circular # 137 , please refer to the following link:

https://www.dha.gov.ae/Documents/%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AB%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%B1%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%AC%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B7%D9%86%D9%8A%20%D9%84%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%B5%D9%8A%D9%86%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B3%D8%B9%20(EPI)%20%20%D8%AA%D8%B9%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%85%20137%20%D8%A8%D8%B4%D8%A3%D9%86.pdf

 

Your cooperation in the matter is highly appreciated.