UAE health experts are urging parents to review their children’s vaccination records and arrange any pending doses or boosters before classes begin as the new school year is approaching.
Doctors have also advised families to restore regular sleep patterns, healthy eating and daily physical activity after the summer break. Parents should pay attention to children’s emotional readiness as they prepare to return to school.
Dr. Shereena Khamis Al Mazrouei of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center said parents should check routine immunizations and age-specific booster doses before the school year starts.
“The start of a new school year brings renewed focus on children’s health and wellbeing,” Mazrouei told Gulf News.
Doctors have highlighted the MMR vaccine as one of the key records parents should review. The vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
Dr. Vishrut Singh, a paediatric specialist at Aster Clinic, also advised parents to check DTaP or Tdap booster status. Older children should have their meningococcal vaccination status reviewed as well.
Singh said measles cases have increased sharply worldwide in 2026. Children who have received only one MMR dose should consult their paediatrician about completing the recommended schedule.
“I’d also encourage parents to check varicella (chickenpox) status, since it is also a commonly missed dose in children who received part of their vaccination schedule outside the UAE,” he added further.
Children who traveled during the summer may need an additional health review. The required checks can vary according to the destination, duration of travel and health risks in the area visited.
Dr. Riham Ismail of Medcare Women and Children Hospital advised parents to consult a paediatrician if vaccination records are incomplete or unclear.
Ismail said, “If parents are unsure about their child’s vaccination status, they should consult their paediatrician, who can review the records and recommend any required vaccines or catch-up doses.”
Families who travel frequently should keep both digital and physical copies of vaccination records. This can make it easier for doctors to identify missing doses and recommend catch-up vaccinations.
Travel to some countries can also expose children to infections that are uncommon in the UAE. Depending on the destination, doctors may recommend measures against diseases such as malaria or dengue. Yellow fever vaccination may also be required for certain African destinations.
Seasonal influenza vaccination is another consideration as children return to classrooms. Dr. Puneet Wadhwa of Prime Hospital said this year’s flu vaccine is expected to become available around the first week of September. He advised families to take the vaccine when it becomes available before or around the start of the school term.
Wadhwa said, “The flu vaccine should be taken if it’s available before returning to school or at the start of the school term,” adding that parents should also arrange outstanding routine vaccinations instead of waiting until later in the academic year.
The final weeks of the summer break give families time to rebuild routines. Earlier bedtimes, balanced meals and regular physical activity can help children adjust to the school schedule. Parents should also speak with children about returning to school, as open conversations can help identify worries and make the transition easier.
A pre-school paediatric visit can bring together vaccination checks and other health concerns. For families who have travelled, it can also provide an opportunity to review destination-specific health needs.
For UAE families, preparing for school is therefore more than uniforms and supplies. A timely health check can help children begin the academic year with their vaccinations, routines and wellbeing in better shape.
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