DUBAI 9 August 2019: In conjunction with the holiday and travel season, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) continues its campaigns to raise travelers’ awareness about the importance of visiting health clinics to evaluate their medical conditions and take the necessary vaccines.
This measure would help avoid the risks of getting infected with possible diseases in the destination country.
On occurrence of an outbreak in one country, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in coordination with MoHAP, informs travellers to this destination about the necessary measures that should be taken for prevention. For more information, the travelers are advised to contact the UAE embassies in their destination countries.
List of important vaccinations recommended by MoHAP to obtain before traveling
Yellow Fever: Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. Yellow fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The disease is endemic in around 44 countries in tropical regions of Africa and the Americas. The symptoms of yellow fever vary from mild to severe infection that causes bleeding, jaundice and death. Immunization is the most important preventive measure against yellow fever. The vaccine used for this purpose is safe, cost-effective and gives lifelong immunity.
Meningococcal Meningitis: It leads to death due to a serious infection of the meninges (the brain membranes). This vaccine is recommended to the travelers to the countries in the meningitis belt in sub-Saharan Africa and it is mandatory for pilgrims during Haj or Umrah. This vaccine protects the body for 5 years.
Hepatitis A: This vaccination is one of the most common preventive vaccines in addition to the list of recommended vaccinations. The vaccine is recommended for travellers to developing countries. Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food and drink. Its symptoms include fever, stomach ache and fatigue. The vaccine is given in two doses, which provide protection for at least 20 years.
Rabies: The traveler receives 3 doses of the vaccine over a period of 3 to 4 weeks to prevent rabies before exposure to the disease. People at risk include those who are dealing with animals, veterinarians, and people traveling to countries where rabies is endemic. Rabies vaccine gives immunity for two years.
Flu: Influenza mainly affects the respiratory system, especially the nose and pharynx. Its symptoms are varied from mild to severe. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the common viruses that cause the disease. The flu vaccine is updated annually to protect against the common viruses that cause the disease in the current year.
Pneumococcal Disease: It’s a group of diseases caused by bacteria named pneumococci. Pneumonia affects both young and old, causing septicemia, meningitis, pneumonia and acute otitis media. It leads to about 1.6 million deaths a year worldwide. The vaccine is a successful preventive measure among adults, especially those over the age of 50. Diabetics, cardiovascular patients, patients with chronic lung diseases and smokers should be vaccinated against pneumonia, as vaccination is the best means of prevention.
Malaria: When traveling to a country where the malaria is endemic, it is very important to be cautious. Malaria can be prevented when taking the appropriate medication before exposure to a mosquito bite. Africa, Central and South America, parts of Asia bordering the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and the South Pacific are high-risk areas.
Eid Al Adha timings for health centres
MoHAP has released the working hours for it’s primary health care and preventive medicine centres during the Eid Al Adha holiday, from August 10th-14th, in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
MoHAP said that services in preventive medicine centres will be available on Tuesday, August 13th, from 9 am-2 pm, including in the medical examination centres for residency at Ibn Battuta Mall, Salah al-Din, Riffa, and Dahan.
In total, medical services will be available in 27 health clinics, six preventive medicine, and three medical examination centres for residency across the six emirates. The issuance of birth and death certificates services will also be available during the holiday.
Amongst the health clinics that will be operational include the Hor Al Anz Health Centre in Dubai, Al Wasit and Al Dhaid Health Centres in Sharjah, Al Hamidiya Health Centre in Ajman, Al Salamah Health Centre in Umm Al Qaiwain, Al Hamra Clinic in RAK, and Qadfa Health Centre in Fujairah.
Dr. Hussein Abdel Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary of Health Centres and Clinics Sector, said that the clinics are ready to deal with the influx of patients they may receive this time of the year, and are fully equipped with medical and nursing staff to meet the need of all residents.
