DHA extends deadline for polio vaccinations

Parents of children under age five have been advised to take them to health centres and clinics for vaccines.

The window of opportunity to have children vaccinated against polio will remain open after the Dubai Health Authority extended the programme.

Parents of children under five have been advised to take them to health centres and clinics for vaccinations.

Although there have been no recorded cases of polio in the UAE since 1992, it can cause lifelong paralysis and death.

A national campaign encouraging families to take action was launched on November 16, with the second phase due to end on January 22. That date has now been extended until Thursday to allow children who took part in the first phase but have so far missed out in round two, to catch up.

Dr Manal Taryam, chief executive of primary health care at the DHA highlighted the importance of the campaign.

“The second phase of the vaccine is vital to ensure the child receives maximum protection against the disease. Parents are requested to bring their children’s polio vaccination card when they visit the health centres,” she said.

“Those children who missed the first dose of the vaccine can also take the second dose, either through the school clinics or through any of DHA’s primary healthcare centres.

“The aim of the extension is to ensure we reach out to the maximum number of children below the age of five years.”

The campaign hopes to reach 416,000 children with the oral vaccine.

Dr Fatma Al Olama, head of school health at DHA aid all 14 primary healthcare centres and Hatta hospital’s child clinic were providing the vaccine, at no cost.

“Parents can go to the closest health centre to vaccinate their children,” she said. “The vaccine is proven to be safe and effective, according to the World Health Organisation.”

For more information on the campaign and participating centres call 800 111 11.