ABU DHABI // Babies will be given free chickenpox jabs from Monday.
Parents of children born on or after September 1 last year can get their children vaccinated with the varicella vaccine, which protects against the contagious, viral disease. The vaccine is compulsory for nationals and expatriates, said Dr Farida al Hosani, the section head of communicable disease at the Health Authority-Abu Dhabi (HAAD).
It will become part of the HAAD's national immunisation programme, which was introduced in 1978 and includes shots against tuberculosis, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and whooping cough. Some 7,219 cases of chickenpox were recorded in the emirate last year. However, the true figure may be higher because the disease is often not serious in children. Since the chickenpox vaccine became available in the US in 1995, the number of cases has plummeted from four million each year to around 400,000 in 2005.
The number of hospital cases and deaths from the illness declined by more than 90 per cent. Dr Mona Rifai, a specialist paediatrician working in Abu Dhabi, said that although chickenpox was rarely dangerous in children, it could have serious consequences and was extremely dangerous in adults. "Some of the severe complications that set in with chickenpox are diseases like pneumonia and respiratory infections, and chickenpox can be very severe in adults," she said.
The vaccine should be given to babies around the time of their first birthday. It has been available in the UAE since 2000, but only on the recommendation of doctors to their patients.
hkhalaf@thenational.ae
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Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.
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Results:
First Test: New Zealand 30 British & Irish Lions 15
Second Test: New Zealand 21 British & Irish Lions 24
Third Test: New Zealand 15 British & Irish Lions 15
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
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