Parents or guardians in the UAE who fail to ensure their children receive mandatory vaccinations could face fines of up to Dh20,000, under a new draft law approved by the Federal National Council (FNC). The proposal is part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s legal framework for preventing and controlling infectious diseases, according to reports by Khaleej Times.During a session held in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, the Federal National Council approved amendments to the UAE’s infectious disease law, a move designed to reinforce the country’s preparedness against communicable diseases and future health threats.Under the proposed amendments, parents or guardians who refuse or neglect to vaccinate a child under the national immunisation programme may face fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh20,000. However, it is not yet clear how authorities will enforce the penalties or what specific circumstances could trigger action against families.The UAE’s national immunisation programme currently requires children to receive a series of vaccinations from birth until Grade 11. The schedule includes routine and combination vaccines administered at different stages of childhood to protect against multiple infectious diseases.Despite the proposed penalties for non-compliance, the draft law confirms that vaccines provided under the national programme for newborns and other targeted groups will continue to be offered free of charge.The amendments also give authorities the power to mandate vaccinations in specific situations to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Any such decision would have to be publicly announced through official media and communication channels, ensuring residents are informed of the requirement.At the same time, the law allows for medical exemptions. Individuals whose health conditions prevent them from safely receiving a vaccine may be excluded from mandatory vaccination requirements.

Lessons from Covid-19 drive legal reforms

Officials say the amendments are part of a wider effort to modernise the UAE’s disease-control laws. The changes are intended to strengthen disease surveillance, response mechanisms and public health preparedness.During the FNC session, Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh stressed the need to update legislation in light of global health developments and the lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic.He noted that strong legal frameworks help ensure the country can respond quickly and effectively to public health risks while protecting community well-being.