MoHAP Announces Herpes Zoster Vaccine for Individuals Over the Age of 50 Years

Shingles, a viral infection causing a painful skin rash, occurs when the chickenpox virus reactivates in the body. Typically, it results in a rash and painful blisters on one side of the body. The herpes zoster vaccine can prevent the disease and related complications.

Ministry of Health and Prevention Makes a Special Announcement

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has introduced the herpes zoster vaccine, a certified immunisation to guard against shingles, which is now accessible at healthcare facilities. This vaccine is specifically intended for individuals aged 50 years and older.

The immunisation regimen involves two doses administered six months apart, and it aligns with the best practices in disease prevention to help mitigate or eliminate the risk of shingles infection among the adult population.

The Ministry announced this at its Dubai headquarters during a scientific session attended by Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, assistant undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, ministry managers, and local health authorities' representatives. The session emphasised the importance of raising public awareness about preventive vaccination, particularly for shingles, and enhancing health workers' knowledge about global shingles recommendations. These efforts aim to reduce the health impact of preventable diseases by increasing national vaccine coverage.

Shingles Vaccine into National Vaccine Program

The integration of the acknowledged herpes zoster vaccine into the recommended national adult vaccination program is essential for thwarting the spread of the infectious disease and boosting vaccination coverage rates. This strategic move is pivotal for attaining the best possible outcomes and hinges on the formulation of a vaccination policy to sustain vaccination coverage.

Moreover, this vaccine will stay abreast of international advancements in the field, thereby contributing to the establishment of a robust immunisation system against vaccine-targeted diseases and fortifying the UAE's national statistics concerning preventive healthcare and quality of life.

The UAE is recognised as a prominent global player in the realm of vaccination, owing to its forward-thinking leadership and the allocation of necessary resources and expertise to bolster the growth of the national vaccination system, thereby reinforcing its long-term viability and proactive approach.

These initiatives safeguard the health and welfare of the Emirati population, while simultaneously achieving public health objectives, in accordance with the Ministry's strategic focus on advancing the national healthcare system and safeguarding the public against infectious diseases through internationally recognized proactive measures.

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By: Tanvi Pathak