School Health Programs in Saudi Arabia: A Key Foundation for Student Safety and Well-being
School health programs in Saudi Arabia play a fundamental role in ensuring the health and safety of students. These programs include routine vaccinations and regular medical examinations.
The Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, conducts periodic vaccination campaigns within schools to prevent infectious diseases. These vaccinations include:
Bivalent meningococcal vaccine: administered in the first year of each school stage.
Diphtheria-tetanus vaccine: administered in the 2nd and 4th grades of primary school.
Additional vaccines: such as seasonal influenza, chickenpox, hepatitis A, and pneumococcal vaccines, depending on public health needs and awareness campaigns.
These vaccines are safe, approved by relevant health authorities, and help protect students from common school-related infectious diseases.
A medical fitness examination is required for new students enrolling in kindergarten and first grade. Its objectives include:
Ensuring all basic vaccinations are completed
Early detection of health issues that may affect the student’s learning process
Assessing overall health, including vision, hearing, and dental evaluation
The examination is performed in primary healthcare centers, and parents may book appointments through the “Sehha” app.
Launched in 2019 as a joint initiative between the Ministries of Health and Education, the program aims to:
Promote health awareness among students and teachers
Provide a safe and healthy school environment
Encourage community participation in health-related activities
Program components include health education, proper nutrition, physical activity, and mental health support, contributing to overall student well-being and public health.
Parent involvement is vital to the success of school health programs through:
Ensuring timely completion of their children’s vaccinations
Completing required medical examinations before the school year begins
Participating in school awareness activities and health programs
For more information, parents may visit the official Ministry of Health website or contact their school directly.
