DHA announces policy to standardise immunisation

DUBAI - A standardised policy to improve immunisation services, particularly childhood vaccination, at all hospitals and health clinics was announced by the Dubai Health Authority on Monday.

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Asma Ali Zain

Published: Wed 18 Jan 2012, 12:06 AM

Last updated: Fri 3 Apr 2015, 4:47 PM

Officials said the policy will ensure safe vaccinations and also guide facilities on how to trace children who do not show up for their immunisation on the appointed days.

The policy, which is the first and only one on immunisation in the UAE, has been developed after extensive study and in-depth research. It is applicable to all hospitals and health centres that wish to provide immunisation services.

Laila Al Jassmi, CEO of Health Policy and Strategy at the DHA, said, “Prior to introducing this policy, we conducted a detailed analysis of the immunisation services in Dubai and later analysed the data and identified existing gaps.” As reported by Khaleej Times earlier, private clinics will be licensed as Vaccine-Qualified Clinics (VQCs) in order to provide the services. Clinics will also have to maintain accurate recording of immunisation schedules; they will have to maintain complete record of adverse reactions and must have a reporting system.

Dr Aizeldin Ibrahim, Acting Director of Public Health and Safety, Health Policy and Strategy Sector at the DHA, said the policy was a result of an in-depth study.

He said that the study done in 2009 highlighted that 28 per cent of the clinics studied were not following the national immunisation schedule, 41 per cent have no reminder system and 48 per cent lacked a system to trace defaulters. Sixty-four per cent of private healthcare facilities were not reporting adverse events. On the other hand, periodic reporting to the authorities concerned was found to be inadequate in 48 per cent of the private facilities.

Eighty-three per cent demonstrated high-quality immunisation registry system and 88 per cent of the private clinics followed specific policy to maintain cold chain and there was a high compliance with regard to regular monitoring of vaccine-storage temperature.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com

Asma Ali Zain

Published: Wed 18 Jan 2012, 12:06 AM

Last updated: Fri 3 Apr 2015, 4:47 PM

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