Moving to Dubai with children can be an exciting new chapter, but relocating to another country can also bring questions about your child's healthcare. One common concern for parents is vaccination records: Will previous vaccines be accepted? Does my child need additional doses? What if some records are missing?

These concerns are understandable. Vaccination schedules can vary between countries, but moving to Dubai does not automatically mean your child needs to restart their vaccinations. Reviewing their existing records can help determine which vaccines have already been given and whether any catch-up doses may be needed.

Why Are Vaccination Records Important When Moving to Dubai?

Your child's vaccination record provides a history of the vaccines they have received, including vaccination dates and, in some cases, vaccine names and doses. Keeping these records available can help with healthcare planning and school or nursery requirements in Dubai.

• Confirming previous vaccinations
• Identifying vaccines that may be due
• Planning catch-up vaccinations when required
• Supporting school or nursery documentation
• Avoiding unnecessary repeat vaccinations
• Maintaining an accurate medical history

You can also review the child vaccination schedule in Dubai to understand the recommended childhood immunisation schedule.

What Vaccination Records Should You Bring to Dubai?

Before moving, try to obtain your child's complete vaccination history from their previous healthcare provider. Ideally, it should include:

• Your child's full name and date of birth
• Names of vaccines received
• Dates of vaccination
• Number of doses given
• Booster doses, where applicable
• Healthcare provider or clinic details
• Official vaccination certificates, if available

Keep the original documents safe and make digital copies so the information remains accessible if the originals are misplaced.

What If My Child's Vaccination Schedule Is Different?

Vaccination schedules vary between countries. The same vaccine may be given at different ages or intervals. This does not necessarily mean that previous vaccinations are invalid.

A pediatrician can review your child's vaccination history, age, previous doses, and applicable recommendations in Dubai. Your child's records may include vaccinations such as MMR, chickenpox, polio, hepatitis B, pneumococcal, Hib, or other childhood vaccines.

What If Some Vaccination Records Are Missing?

Missing vaccination records can be worrying, particularly for families who have moved between countries or healthcare providers. If possible, contact your child's previous clinic, hospital, pediatrician, or health authority to obtain copies.

If complete records cannot be recovered, bring whatever documentation you have to a pediatric consultation. The available information can be reviewed to determine whether additional vaccinations or a catch-up schedule may be appropriate.

Parents should avoid guessing vaccination dates or assuming a vaccine was given without reliable documentation.

Will My Child Need Catch-Up Vaccinations?

If your child has missed vaccinations or received doses according to a different schedule, a pediatrician can assess whether catch-up vaccination is needed.

The assessment may consider:

• Your child's current age
• Previous vaccination dates
• Documented vaccine doses
• Intervals between doses
• Current vaccination recommendations
• Relevant medical circumstances

Depending on your child's history, the pediatrician may discuss vaccines such as polio, hepatitis B, or DTaP.

Vaccination Records for Schools and Nurseries in Dubai

Schools and nurseries may request health and vaccination documentation during enrolment. Requirements can vary according to the child's age, educational setting, and applicable regulations.

Reviewing your child's records before enrolment can give you time to locate missing documents or discuss any vaccinations that may be due.

What About Vaccines Given in Another Country?

Vaccinations received overseas can be an important part of your child's medical history. However, vaccine names, formulations, and schedules may differ between countries.

If you are uncertain whether a previous vaccine corresponds to one recommended in Dubai, bring the documentation to a pediatrician rather than relying on memory. This allows the healthcare team to assess the available records and determine the appropriate next steps.

Common Childhood Vaccines to Review

Depending on your child's age and vaccination history, a pediatrician may review protection against several childhood infections. DRHC provides information about:

• MMR vaccine
• Chickenpox vaccine
• Meningitis vaccine
• Flu vaccine
• Pneumococcal vaccine
• Rotavirus vaccine
• Hib vaccine
• BCG vaccine

Not every child will need every vaccine at the same time. Recommendations depend on the child's individual vaccination history and age.

How Can Parents Prepare Before Moving to Dubai?

1. Request the complete vaccination history from your child's current healthcare provider.
2. Check the records for vaccine names and dates.
3. Make digital copies of important documents.
4. Keep the original records accessible during your move.
5. Ask about upcoming vaccinations before relocating.
6. Arrange a pediatric review in Dubai if you are uncertain about your child's vaccination status.

Vaccination Record Review at DRHC Dubai

At Dr. Rami Hamed Center (DRHC) in Dubai, pediatric consultations can help families review their child's vaccination history and understand whether additional or catch-up vaccinations may be needed.

If you have recently moved to Dubai and are unsure about your child's vaccination records, you can bring the available documents to a consultation with a pediatric specialist. DRHC also provides a dedicated pediatric vaccination clinic in Dubai for children's vaccination needs.