VACCINATION
Here’s the essential information on vaccinations for Abu Dhabi. The need for vaccinations depends on your health status, the duration and type of your stay, and the places you plan to visit within Abu Dhabi.
Vaccines are crucial for protecting against certain infectious diseases. Despite Abu Dhabi’s modernity and cleanliness, the risk of contracting an infection remains, partly due to the international flow of visitors. The appropriate vaccines offer protection against infections not endemic to your home region.
Which vaccinations are required to travel to Abu Dhabi ?
No specific vaccinations are required for a stay in Abu Dhabi. However, it is recommended to be vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, and poliomyelitis (DTP), as well as hepatitis A. Additionally, if you’ve never had measles, or if you haven’t been vaccinated against it, it’s advisable to get the corresponding vaccine.
Vaccination against typhoid fever, hepatitis B, and rabies
If your stay in Abu Dhabi exceeds three months, or if you’re in frequent contact with wild animals, it is recommended to get vaccinated against typhoid fever, hepatitis B, and rabies. If unsure whether a vaccine is necessary, consulting with your doctor is the best approach.
Hepatitis A vaccination
The need for hepatitis A vaccination is sometimes debated, with some arguing that it’s encouraged mostly by the interests of pharmaceutical companies. This disease is rare in the UAE and can generally be avoided with simple hygiene practices, like frequent handwashing, especially after using the toilet. Hepatitis A is usually transmitted through poor hygiene, contaminated food or water, or a lack of sanitation. However, since Abu Dhabi maintains high hygiene standards with clean establishments and access to safe drinking water, the risk is minimal for most travelers.
Yellow fever vaccination
Yellow fever vaccination is not required for travelers coming to Abu Dhabi from countries like Belgium or other European nations. However, if you are traveling from a region where yellow fever is endemic, such as parts of Africa and South America, the vaccine becomes compulsory.
Is malaria present in Abu Dhabi ?
There is no risk of malaria in Abu Dhabi, so you do not need to take any anti-malarial medication. However, if your travel plans include regions in Asia where malaria is prevalent, you may need to start preventive treatment while in Abu Dhabi.
When should you get vaccinated for Abu Dhabi ?
It is recommended to get the DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine at least one to two weeks before departing for Abu Dhabi. However, it is also possible to receive the vaccine shortly before departure. This vaccine provides protection for ten years. For the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, which offers lifelong immunity, it is best to get it at least two weeks before traveling.
For hepatitis A, it is also advisable to receive the vaccine at least two weeks before departure, although last-minute vaccination is possible. This vaccine provides protection for one to three years, and up to 30-40 years if booster doses are repeated.
Protection against hepatitis B requires a series of three doses for lifelong immunity. Ideally, you should start the vaccination process seven months before departure, but if needed, two doses one month before departure will offer shorter-term protection.
For rabies, a series of three doses spaced three to four weeks apart is required. The vaccination will protect you for two years, and it’s best to begin the series at least eight weeks before leaving for Abu Dhabi.