Egyptian health authorities plan to vaccinate 21 million children between 9 months and 10 years old in a new campaign to boost immunity and prevent outbreaks, coinciding with the start of the school year in October 2026.
Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population is preparing to begin a nationwide measles and rubella vaccination drive on October 1, 2026, in coordination with the Ministry of Education, as the new school year gets underway. The campaign is expected to reach about 21 million children between 9 months and 10 years old and will use roughly 23 million doses, according to reports in Al-Ahram and other Egyptian outlets. Officials say the effort is designed to strengthen community immunity and prevent outbreaks.
The campaign is open to children who have already completed routine vaccinations, with health specialists saying the extra doses are meant to reinforce the body’s immune memory rather than replace the standard schedule. Pediatric consultant Yusuf Saad said on the television programme “Sabah El Kheir Ya Masr” that children normally receive the measles-rubella vaccine at age 1 and a booster at 18 months, and that another dose can still be given later if enough time has passed and medical rules are followed.
Saad also said mild illness does not automatically rule a child out. A common cold or a slight fever may not prevent vaccination, but doctors may delay it if a child is seriously unwell. He added that some live vaccines are not suitable for children with certain forms of immune deficiency, those taking high-dose corticosteroids for long periods, or some children with leukaemia or lymphoma. Parents should also tell doctors about any history of severe allergy to a vaccine, or if the child has recently received a blood or plasma transfusion.
Health officials say the shots will be offered free of charge in health units and centres, as well as in schools. Children under school age will be vaccinated through local health offices and clinics, while pupils in government, private and national schools will be covered at their schools. The campaign is intended for both Egyptian children and children living in Egypt from other nationalities, with the broader goal of keeping measles under control and protecting pregnant women and unborn babies from complications linked to rubella.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
