Dubai’s Vaccine Records: What Residents Must Know
Residents of Dubai can now access their most recent vaccination details through the DubaiNow app, but only for doses administered within the past six months. For older records — whether for school enrollment, work compliance, or international travel — alternative official channels are required.
When You Need Proof of Vaccination
School enrollment in Dubai requires DHA-verified immunization records for all children, regardless of nationality. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) mandates alignment with the UAE National Immunization Program. Families arriving from abroad must ensure their child’s history meets these standards.
Pilgrims flying to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah must show proof of meningococcal ACYW vaccination, administered at least 10 days before arrival. Saudi authorities enforce this requirement at all entry points, and digital or paper certificates are equally accepted.
Yellow fever vaccination remains mandatory for travelers coming from or transiting through high-risk zones in Africa or South America, even if only passing through Dubai.
Healthcare workers in Dubai must be up to date on Hepatitis B and MMR vaccines, with seasonal flu shots increasingly treated as a workplace obligation — especially in hospitals, clinics, and care facilities.
What the DubaiNow E-Certificate Shows
The digital certificate in the DubaiNow app displays: your full name, Emirates ID, vaccine type, exact date of administration, and dosage — but only if given within the last 180 days. Vaccinations older than six months appear blank, even if they exist in official DHA databases.
It is not a lifelong record. For children’s full immunization history, residents must use the ‘Child Vaccination Plan’ section within the same app. This feature retains all past doses tracked in Dubai’s system.
How to Access Older Records
To retrieve vaccination history beyond six months, residents have two official options:
• DHA Portal: Log in using your Emirates ID, passport, or Medical Record Number (MRN). A verification code is sent to your registered mobile number to unlock your complete record.
• DubaiNow’s Child Vaccination Plan: This dedicated section within the DubaiNow app provides a complete, chronological history of all vaccines administered to children in Dubai’s public health system.
Key Guidance for Expats with Foreign Records
Expat families often face delays when schools reject unverified foreign vaccination documents. No Dubai school accepts original overseas records without DHA endorsement — even if they appear complete.
To avoid enrollment disruptions:
• Gather all original vaccination cards or digital records from your home country.
• Arrange translation services if documents are not in English or Arabic.
• Schedule a DHA clinic review at least four weeks before school starts.
• Complete any required catch-up doses based on UAE guidelines.
All services — from clinic reviews to digital downloads — remain free of charge, with no paid alternatives for verification or export.
Best Practice for Digital Backup
Residents are advised to maintain vaccination records on DubaiNow (for recent, travel-ready proof) and use the Child Vaccination Plan within the same app for lifelong historical data. While DubaiNow provides instant PDF downloads for inspections, the Child Vaccination Plan ensures your child’s full immunization timeline is always accessible.
For anyone needing proof today: Download the e-certificate on DubaiNow. For proof from five years ago: Open the Child Vaccination Plan section in DubaiNow.
The system is designed for convenience — but requires awareness to avoid gaps in usage.
