Childhood vaccinations: a schedule parents can trust

Vaccination is the single most effective thing you can do to protect your child from serious infection. National schedules in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt differ slightly in timing and brand, but they protect against the same diseases, and every one of them is available free or at low cost through public programmes and through pediatric clinics on Clinic Hub.

The first year

At birth babies receive hepatitis B and, in most of the region, BCG against tuberculosis. At two, four and six months come the combined vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b and hepatitis B, alongside pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccines. Rotavirus, which is given by mouth, prevents the severe diarrhoea that once filled children's wards every winter.

The second year

Between nine and twelve months your child receives the first measles-mumps-rubella dose and, depending on the country, meningococcal and varicella (chickenpox) vaccines. Boosters of the combined vaccines and MMR follow at eighteen months and again before school entry at four to six years.

Why timing matters

Vaccines are scheduled for the age at which the immune system responds well and the disease risk is highest. Whooping cough is most dangerous in the first months of life, which is why the series starts at two months and why pregnant women are offered a pertussis vaccine to pass protection to the newborn. Delaying a dose leaves a window of vulnerability; it does not make the vaccine safer.

Missed doses

Life happens. If a dose is late, simply continue from where you stopped; there is no need to restart the series. Your pediatrician can produce a catch-up plan in a single visit. Keep the vaccination record in your Clinic Hub family profile so every clinic you visit can see exactly what has been given.

Minor illness on vaccination day

A cold, a mild cough or a low-grade fever is not a reason to postpone. A high fever or a moderate to severe illness is; the clinic will reschedule. Children with egg allergy can receive MMR safely.

What to expect afterwards

Soreness at the injection site, mild fever and irritability for a day or two are normal and show the immune system responding. Paracetamol may be used for discomfort. Seek care for a fever above 39°C that does not settle, a rash spreading rapidly, or unusual drowsiness.

Talk to your pediatrician

If you have read something worrying online, bring it to the appointment. Pediatricians on Clinic Hub answer these questions every day and would rather discuss them than have a child miss protection.