Public Policy Document

The use of vaccines is one of the most crucial interventions that have significantly enhanced public health, prevented the spread of communicable diseases, and reduced morbidity and mortality rates across all segments of society. Vaccines prevent illnesses, save lives, and lower healthcare costs, making them one of the most effective health investments.

The National Policy on Vaccinations was issued in 2020 to establish a multi-sectoral national framework that coordinates among all entities involved in immunizations to combat infectious diseases and reduce risks to individuals and the community. The policy aims to support the healthcare system in the country, enhance the efficiency of services provided, and ensure a more effective and efficient use of national resources.

1. Ensure comprehensive coverage and equitable access to vaccinations.
2. Encourage leadership and build partnerships.
3. Promote integration, awareness, and effective communication of immunization related matters.
4. Ensure the health situation is under control during emergencies.
5. Ensure sustainability, quality, and safety of vaccines.
6. Enhance information systems, innovation, and research capabilities on immunization.

1. Governance- Encourage leadership and build partnerships.
   • Build and support social, financial, and administrative commitment to vaccination programs.
   • Enhance leadership, management, and coordination on immunization matters, through effective national partnerships, networks, and international cooperation.
   • Enhance vaccination-related legislations in the UAE.
2. Comprehensive coverage and equitable access to vaccinations.
   • Achieve national highly comprehensive coverage and equitable access to vaccinations, in all Emirates and regions.
   • Build and strengthen capabilities for comprehensive control of vaccine-preventable diseases, supported by strong and reliable systems and laboratory tests of public health.
   • Provide high-quality supply chains and effective vaccine management to facilitate equitable access to vaccination coverage and establish collaborations with healthcare supply chains.
   • Ensure the availability of sufficient and trained health workforces for vaccination programs.
   • Increase the coverage of vaccination services among community segments who are less likely to receive vaccination.
3. Integration, awareness, and effective communication on immunization-related matters.
   • Develop evidence-based prevention policies and their effective communication strategies.
   • Launch initiatives to enhance awareness of the importance of vaccination throughout people’s life phases to protect public health.
4. Management of healthcare conditions in emergency situations.
   • Ensure timely and orderly responses to disease outbreaks and epidemics that can be prevented through vaccines, antidotes, and serums.  
   • Support highly efficient delivery of vaccination services in emergencies, crises, and disasters.
5. Sustainability, quality, and safety of vaccines.
   • Secure sufficient funding and infrastructure to maintain sustainable coverage of all vaccines in the UAE.
   • Facilitate timely access to high-quality vaccines and ensure their functional safety.
6. Enhanced information systems, innovation, and research capabilities on immunization
   • Generate vaccination data and statistics to support evidence-based decision-making. 
   • Enhance research capacity and establish innovative management systems for various immunizations.
   • Develop new vaccines and technologies and improve existing immunization products and services.

1. Achieve 100% of national vaccination coverage for all targeted community members nationwide.
2. Ensure high-quality vaccination services are provided, under global and national safety practices.
3. Promote research, development, and innovation in immunization and vaccination matters.
4. Ensure timely and effective responses to crisis, emergencies, disasters, and epidemics that can be prevented with vaccines, antidotes, and serums.  
    

Community members of all age groups, including infants, children, and adults, and people of all age groups at-risk for key life-threatening diseases.