Dubai The Ministry of Health has introduced a new anti-chickenpox vaccine into the National Immunisation Programme for protection of children against viral diseases.
The varicella vaccine was launched Tuesday under the patronage of Abdul Rahman Mohammad Al Owais, minister of culture, youth and community development, and the acting minister of health.
Chickenpox is a common infection caused by the varicella virus. It is common among children under the age of ten.
Dr Mahmoud Fikri, assistant undersecretary for health policy affairs at the Health Ministry, said the ministry decided to introduce the new vaccine with the aim of reducing the incidence of the disease among children.
Strategy
The new vaccines will be available at all health centres operating under the umbrella of the Ministry of Health from Thursday.
He said the ministry's strategy is to keep updating and modernising the immunisation programme for children based on the latest scientific developments and recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on reducing child mortality rates and the incidence of diseases among them.
The move is in line with the directives of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to keep pace with the latest medical advancements.
"The introduction of the anti-chicken pox vaccine complies with the principles of WHO, and is aimed at utilising all medical advancements in the protection of children and the community," Dr Fikri said.
