School is almost back! And while uniforms and stationery may be top of the shopping list, there’s another important box parents should tick. Their child’s health. From routine jabs to the seasonal flu vaccine, this is a good time to check what your child needs before the new term begins. No idea what vaccines to take? While visiting a doctor to get the most accurate information is the way to go, we’ve rounded up a list of key vaccine checks and back-to-school health tips!
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First Of All – Check Their Vaccine Record
Before school starts, parents should review their child’s vaccination record and ensure all routine immunisations are up to date. Health experts at the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre have highlighted the importance of checking for any vaccinations or age-related booster doses that may be due. Because your kids spend much of their school day in close contact with classmates, vaccination is an important part of protecting them against preventable infections.
And now, with flu season approaching, families can also consider the seasonal influenza vaccine as another way of helping protect children during the school year. However, keep in mind that vaccines are only one piece of the puzzle. Experts also recommend making sure your kids get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, stay physically active, and feel emotionally prepared for the return to school.
Don’t Miss These Key Vaccines
Some vaccines deserve a closer look when parents are reviewing their child’s records. In fact Paediatric specialists recommend checking the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Parents should also look for any upcoming DTaP or Tdap boosters for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. And for older children, it is also worth checking their meningococcal vaccination status.
The MMR vaccine is particularly important to review this year. As measles cases are increasing globally in 2026, it’s definitely one to keep in mind! If a child has received only one dose or is due for another, parents should speak with their paediatrician about completing the recommended schedule.
Where possible, vaccinations should ideally be completed around two weeks before school begins. This is to allow the immune system time to build protection. Parents should also check their kids’ varicella (chickenpox) vaccination status. This can occasionally be overlooked, particularly when children have received some of their vaccinations outside the UAE.
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The seasonal flu vaccine is another one for parents to keep on their radar. Experts at Prime Hospital expect this year’s influenza vaccine to become available shortly, potentially as early as the first week of September. To avoid any health issues, any overdue routine vaccinations should also be arranged as soon as possible rather than left until later in the academic year.
Planning To Go Abroad? Extra Vaccines May Help
Unfortunately, children returning from international trips may have encountered health risks that are less common in the UAE. Depending on where they travelled, this could include exposure to illnesses such as dengue or malaria. So, for parents planning trips to areas where these diseases are prevalent, it is recommended to seek medical advice about suitable precautions.
For certain destinations in Africa, this may include yellow fever vaccination. Travel to malaria-risk areas may also require advice about preventive medication. The key is to consider the destination when planning a child’s travel health checks.
Get Back-To-School Ready
The weeks before school resumes are a useful time to help children get back into healthy routines. Alongside checking vaccinations, parents can gradually adjust bedtimes, return to regular meal schedules, and encourage physical activity. Be sure to talk to children about how they feel about heading back to class. If possible, booking a pre-school paediatric appointment can also help identify any missing vaccinations. It can also help identify any other health concerns before the new term gets busy.
While a little jab might frighten your kid, a little health prep now can mean a smoother start when the school bell rings. So, before you pack those backpacks and get swamped in the academic pressure, give those vaccination records one last look! And keep Gulf Buzz on your radar for more useful UAE updates and tips.
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