Get a full list of the vaccines you need for United Arab Emirates, and learn about the risk of diseases and the best ways to protect yourself while away.

Vaccinations for
United Arab Emirates

As you prepare your trip to United Arab Emirates, you need to consider whether you need any vaccinations to stay safe and healthy. Below is a list of vaccines for United Arab Emirates that you may need.

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01. Vaccine list

For a variety of reasons, such as medical history, duration of stay and destinations visited, everyone requires different vaccinations for United Arab Emirates.

You can start by being informed of any mandatory or officially recommended vaccines, which you can find below. You can also book a free telephone consultation with one of our prescribing nurses. They will provide you with a personal vaccination plan.

Most travellers

Diphtheria, tetanus and polio

Anytime before arrival

Some travellers

Rabies

3 weeks before arrival*

Hepatitis B

4 weeks before arrival*

Hepatitis A

Anytime before arrival

02. Other health risks in United Arab Emirates

Travelling to United Arab Emirates exposes you to health risks that are not preventable with vaccinations. It is therefore important to be aware of them, so you can avoid illness in the best possible way.

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is transmitted through contact with infected camels or camel related product consumption, such as milk. If you are affected, you may have symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath.

There is a risk of insect-borne diseases in United Arab Emirates, such as leishmaniasis, an infection caused by sandfly bites. As these insects are active at night in forested settings, practicing avoidance techniques are recommended. If you experience symptoms such as skin lesions, fever or weight loss, contact your medical practitioner.

03. Precautions for United Arab Emirates

It is important to take precautions during your stay in United Arab Emirates, as the diseases can be spread in many different ways and the risk can increase at anytime.

Insects and ticks

There is a low risk of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis in United Arab Emirates. Those most vulnerable are adventure travellers and people active at night. If you are travelling to natural, forested areas in the country, make sure to take necessary precautions to avoid sandfly bites.

Steps you can take to protect yourself from bites include:

wearing protective clothing and shoes instead of sandals
tucking pants into socks when hiking in wooded areas
being aware of where insects and ticks are commonly found
spraying your home or room with an insecticide
using a repellent containing 20-30% DEET
avoiding outdoor activities at night
sleeping under a bed net treated by repellent
avoiding tall grasses and shrubs
carefully examining your body, clothing, gear, and pets for ticks before entering a dwelling

Camels

There have been reported cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The cases were contained to Gayathi and Al Ain city. You may be at risk if you plan on visiting camel farms or spending a lot of time in a setting, where there are many camels.

Food and water

All travellers going to United Arab Emirates should take care with food and water hygiene, as there is a risk of hepatitis A, which is transmitted through contaminated food and water.

If you are visiting friends or relatives in United Arab Emirates or are a long-stay traveller, you are at increased risk of consuming contaminated food and drinks, and you should therefore be extra careful.

You can reduce your risk of consuming contaminated food and water by:

avoid eating and drinking at places where the hygiene is questionable
washing hands frequently and using alcohol gel
only having water and other drinks from sealed bottles and cans
avoiding raw or undercooked foods, such as meat, fish or shellfish
avoiding street food, unless it is cooked in front of you and served hot
avoiding uncooked fruit and vegetables, unless you wash and peel it
avoiding unpasteurised dairy products, like milk, cheese and ice cream
brushing teeth with boiled or bottled water
only eating cooked food, served hot
avoiding tap water and ice cubes
avoiding buffets
avoiding salads

04. Useful contacts in United Arab Emirates

These are some of the most important services you may need while in United Arab Emirates.

British Embassy Abu Dhabi The British Embassy Abu Dhabi can provide assistance while you are there. You can reach them by calling +971 2 610 1100.

British Embassy Dubai You can also reach the British Embassy Dubai by calling +971 4 309 4444.

Local emergency medical services For emergencies needing medical assistance, dial +971 998 to call an ambulance.

Medical facilities and practitioners In the case that you become ill while in United Arab Emirates, make sure you have travel health insurance and funds to cover steep medical costs or repatriation.

05. Checklist for your trip to United Arab Emirates

Check if you need vaccinations Speak with one of our prescribing nurses at least six to eight weeks before travel for advice on vaccinations for United Arab Emirates
Yellow fever certificate Check if you need the yellow fever certificate for your trip to United Arab Emirates, as certificate requirements are subject to change

Insect protection Bring everything needed to avoid insect bites while in United Arab Emirates, including DEET insect repellent

Travel insurance If you become ill in United Arab Emirates and did not receive the right vaccinations before you left, your travel insurance can become void. So, make sure to check before you leave
Note useful contact numbers Keep a list of useful contacts to take with you to United Arab Emirates in case of an emergency

Content reviewed by

Anne Marie Major, Independent Nurse Prescriber
June 20, 2019

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