The Saudi Government has initiated a mass MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccination program, seeking to immunize five million children, from primary schools through universities, in line with the World Health Organization recommendation to eradicate measles worldwide. The KAUST Medical Clinic (KMC) is offering free immunization to all those up to and including age 24 who have never had an MMR vaccination. If you would like to discuss this with a physician prior to receiving the vaccination, please make an appointment.
Doctors recommend that all children receive the MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, and again between 4 and 6 years of age — before entering school. It’s particularly important that girls receive the vaccine to prevent rubella during future pregnancies. One dose of the vaccine does not confer full immunity.
If a child requires MMR protection before 12 months of age — for example, in case of an outbreak — the vaccine can be given as early as 6 months of age. But children who are vaccinated early still need to be vaccinated at the recommended ages later.
If your child has previously received the MMR vaccine, it is safe to receive an additional dose.
The vaccine is not recommended in pregnancy (or suspected pregnancy). It is strongly advised not to become pregnant within three months of receiving the vaccine.
There is no need to book an appointment for the vaccine. Just stop by KMC during the following times:
Dates:
Saturday, March 24 – Wednesday, March 28
Saturday, April 21 – Wednesday, April 25
Times:
Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mondays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
There will be an opportunity to discuss the vaccination more fully at that time.
