UAE Mandatory Vaccinations: School and Residency Requirements
UAE requires MMR, polio and hepatitis B vaccines for school entry and residency medicals. Know the 2026 rules, where to get them and what documents you need.
Who Needs These Vaccines in 2026
Every child enrolling in a UAE school and every adult applying for residency must show proof of MMR, polio and hepatitis B vaccination. The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOH) and the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH) publish the list each year. DHA in Dubai follows the same schedule. Missing any dose can delay school enrolment or residency stamping.
Residency Medical Fitness Test Requirements
During the ICP medical fitness test you must present an international vaccination record or a UAE health card showing the three doses. Adults born before 1980 may need a blood test for hepatitis B antibodies instead of the full series. Children receive the same checks at the same centres. Results are uploaded to the ICP portal within 48 hours.
School Enrolment Rules
Private and government schools require the same record before the first day of term. The Emirates Schools Establishment and KHDA both request the certificate at registration. One missed MMR dose blocks entry until the catch-up shot is given and documented. Bring the original booklet plus a photocopy.
Where to Get Vaccinated in the UAE
- Government primary health centres, free for UAE residents with an Emirates ID.
- Private clinics such as Mediclinic, NMC and American Hospital charge between AED 150 and AED 350 per dose.
- School nurses can administer catch-up doses during term if parents sign consent.
Book through the DHA app in Dubai or the DOH app in Abu Dhabi. Same-day appointments are common outside peak hours.
Accepted Proof Documents
Only these count: the UAE vaccination booklet stamped by MOH, a DOH or DHA electronic record, or a WHO yellow card translated into Arabic by an approved translator. Scanned copies sent by email are not accepted at ICP medical centres or school admissions offices.
Timeline and Costs in 2026
Plan two to three weeks before your residency medical or school start date. Each dose is valid for life once the series is complete. Total cost for a family of four at a private clinic is usually AED 800 to AED 1200 if no prior doses exist. Government centres remain free with valid residency.
Common Questions Parents Ask
Children who received vaccines abroad can transfer records if the vaccine brand matches the UAE schedule. Serology tests replace missing doses only for hepatitis B. Polio remains compulsory regardless of age.
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Frequently asked questions
Which vaccines are mandatory for UAE residency?▾
MMR, polio and hepatitis B must be shown during the medical fitness test.
Do schools check vaccination records?▾
Yes. Both KHDA and government schools require the full schedule before enrolment.
Where can expats get free vaccines?▾
Government primary health centres provide them at no cost with a valid Emirates ID.
What proof is accepted at ICP centres?▾
UAE vaccination booklet, DOH or DHA electronic record, or translated WHO yellow card.
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