UAE updates its AlHosn app with vaccination records for children

The UAE health authorities have updated their AlHosn app, which now includes comprehensive vaccination records for children from birth till they turn 18. The update, according to the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), will play a pivotal role in achieving a higher percentage of child vaccination coverage nationwide.

Initially developed for contact tracing and health testing related to COVID-19, AlHosn is now the national digital healthcare platform for vaccinations. In that sense, this latest update offers a range of digital solutions that help families monitor their children's vaccination status.

The update also "guarantees users access to accurate and reliable information", thanks to the collaborative efforts between the MoHAP and local health authorities.

Dr Hussain Al Rand, assistant undersecretary for Public Health at MoHAP, said the update marks a "significant stride" in the smart transformation journey of the UAE's health sector and will facilitate access to children's vaccination records as per the National Immunisation Programme.

The UAE government mandates vaccinations to children from their birth until they reach Grade 11. These include jabs against tuberculosis, hepatitis B, polio and tetanus, among others.

"Recognising vaccinations as one of the most efficient preventative measures against infectious diseases, the UAE government is committed to leveraging smart technologies and applications to create varied communication avenues with community members in order to ensure optimal health coverage and sustain high vaccination rates," Al Rand said.

"Vaccinations play a vital role in safeguarding children's health and reinforcing community immunity," he added.