VACCINATION
Here’s the essential information on vaccinations for Dubai. The need for vaccinations depends on your state of health, the length and type of your stay, and the places you plan to visit in Dubai.
Vaccines are important for protection against certain infectious diseases. Despite Dubai’s high level of modernity and cleanliness, the risk of contracting an infection remains, not least because of the international influx of visitors. Appropriate vaccines can offer effective protection against infections not endemic to your home region.
Which vaccinations are required to travel to Dubai?
No specific vaccinations are required for a stay in Dubai. However, it is advisable to be vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis (DTP), as well as hepatitis A. What’s more, if you’ve never had measles, or if you haven’t been vaccinated against this disease, it’s recommended that you receive the corresponding vaccine.
Vaccination against typhoid fever, hepatitis B and rabies
If your stay in Dubai is longer than three months, or if you are in frequent contact with wild animals, it is advisable to be vaccinated against typhoid fever, hepatitis B and rabies. If you’re not sure whether a vaccine is necessary, it’s best to consult your doctor.
Hepatitis A vaccination
The usefulness of vaccination against hepatitis A is sometimes disputed, with some believing that it is encouraged primarily by the interests of drug manufacturers. This disease is actually quite rare in the United Arab Emirates and can be avoided with simple hygienic precautions such as regular hand washing, especially after using the toilet.
Hepatitis A is generally transmitted by poor hygiene, contaminated food or water, or a deficient sanitation system. However, visitors staying mainly in Dubai, where hygiene is of a high standard with many establishments cleaner than some seaside destinations in Spain or Turkey, where drinking water is plentiful, don’t generally have to worry about this disease.
Yellow fever vaccination
When traveling to Dubai from Belgium or another European country, yellow fever vaccination is not required. However, if you come to Dubai from a region where yellow fever is endemic, vaccination becomes compulsory. This disease is found mainly in Africa and South America.
Is malaria present in Dubai?
There’s no risk of malaria in Dubai, so you don’t need to take any anti-malarial medication. But if your itinerary includes Asian regions where malaria is common, you may need to start preventive treatment during your stay in Dubai.
When should you get vaccinated for Dubai?
It is advisable to receive the DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine at least one to two weeks before leaving for Dubai, although it is possible to have it done shortly before departure. This vaccine provides immunity for ten years. For the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination, which provides lifelong protection, it’s also best to administer it at least two weeks before traveling.
For hepatitis A, two weeks before departure is also recommended, although last-minute vaccination is possible. This vaccine offers protection for between one and three years, and up to 30-40 years if doses are repeated.
Protection against hepatitis B requires three doses for lifelong immunity. It’s best to start the process seven months before your departure, but if you have to, two doses one month before departure will provide shorter protection.
For rabies, three doses spaced three to four weeks apart are required. You’ll be protected for two years, and it’s best to start the vaccination cycle eight weeks before you leave.