UAE doctors add 2 things to back-to-school list: Vaccine and eye check; here’s why

UAE doctors add 2 things to back-to-school list: Vaccine and eye check; here’s why

Experts explain health matters that parents should keep in mind as they prepare for children's new school year

Published: Sun 20 Aug 2023, 6:00 AM

It’s back to school in a week’s time and parents are ticking off their lists of things to be done — from buying bags to securing books, school uniforms and lunch boxes — before August 28 arrives.

It’s a bit overwhelming at times but doctors in the UAE also advice to add two more boxes to the check list — get flu vaccine and have eye check-ups for kids so that they are fully prepared and come healthy going into their first or next year at school.

Importance of flu vaccine

Dr Viswasri Vijayaraj, specialist paediatrics at Aster Clinic-Al Khail, told Khaleej Times, “Flu vaccine is the best way to prevent flu and its complications, like pneumonia. Flu viruses are constantly changing. Hence, yearly flu shots are necessary for adequate protection. All children, six months and older must get an annual flu shot to be protected throughout the season.”

Dr Pankaj Nandlal Tardeja, head of department and specialist - general paediatrics at NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain, noted how common cold and flu are the common illnesses children can get from