Parents Who Refuse Vaccines Put Children at Risk

UAE parents still believe that vaccinations can have side effects or cause disorders such as autism.

This is why they are still not having their children immunized against potentially deadly illnesses, says a report.

Health experts in the Emirates despite awareness initiatives by the Ministry of Health and the Health Authority Abu Dhabi, they encountered parents who refused to have their children treated.

‘UAE parents are still not having their children immunized against diseases such as measles because they believe vaccinations can cause disorders such as autism.’

Dr. Hala Fikri Mohammed El Hagrasi, a consultant in paediatrics at Abu Dhabi's Burjeel Hospital, said that some mothers are reluctant to get a vaccination for their children.

"Some mothers are reluctant to get a vaccination for their children because they have the wrong beliefs about vaccines," Dr El Hagrasi said.

Many such parents come from rural parts of the emirate, the doctor said.

"They fear their children will get autism. But there have been several studies and no relationship with the vaccine for measles has been found."

By failing to protect their children against measles, they are not putting their offspring at risk, said Dr. El Hagrasi.

Measles is a serious respiratory disease that causes a rash and fever and, in some cases, death.

Source: Medindia