Abu Dhabi Rolls Out Free MMR Vaccination Campaign To Protect Children Against Measles

With the global outbreak of measles continuing to affect children worldwide, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), in collaboration with healthcare facilities in the Emirate, has launched a vaccination campaign. This initiative calls on parents to avail of free MMR vaccinations (against measles, mumps, and rubella) for children aged between one and five years old.

The three-week campaign, starting 28th May, encourages the administration of an additional dose of the MMR vaccine to children in the targeted age group. This is regardless of previous doses or confirmed diagnoses, to ensure more comprehensive protection against the disease. The vaccine is available at 58 facilities and health centres in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.

The campaign aligns with ADPHC’s proactive community health and wellbeing strategy. While measles can affect individuals in all age groups, children under five years old are most susceptible. The additional dose provided as part of the campaign will offer an added boost of protection in efforts to safeguard the community.

Global Context

The World Health Organisation (WHO) witnessed a 30-fold increase in measles cases across 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia in 2023 compared with 2022. This alarming rise underscores the importance of vaccination campaigns like the one initiated by ADPHC.

Expert Opinion

Dr. Ahmed AlKhazraji, Acting Director-General, ADPHC, emphasised the importance of immunisation. "Immunisation is a key component of our proactive health strategy. Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre continuously monitors health challenges at global, regional and local levels, adapting our vaccination programmes to effectively shield the community we serve from emerging threats," he stated.

Transmission and Prevention

The measles virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. The virus can survive for two hours in the air or on surfaces. Infected individuals are normally contagious from four days before to four days after the rash appears. To protect against the disease, vaccination is considered the best, safest and most effective tool.

Commitment to WHO Strategies

Abu Dhabi is committed to implementing WHO strategies for the elimination of measles worldwide. Measles eradication will be achieved through adherence to routine vaccination programmes and supplementary immunisation campaigns.

Parents are encouraged to minimise potential risks by taking advantage of the free vaccinations offered at registered healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi. This initiative aims to protect children who are most susceptible to measles and ensure a healthier future for all.

With inputs from WAM