ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), in collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), has announced major progress in the emirate’s 2025–2026 annual seasonal influenza campaign, with more than 350,000 people vaccinated to date.

The numbers represent the highest uptake achieved in recent seasons, and a significant milestone in safeguarding community health.

Running from September 2025 to March 2026, the annual campaign forms a central part of Abu Dhabi’s prevention-first approach, designed to reduce influenza infections, protect vulnerable groups, and strengthen overall community immunity during the peak winter months.

Vaccination uptake has risen sharply over recent years, increasing from 162,761 in 2022–2023 to more than 350,000 so far this season, a growth of over 115 per cent.

To ensure convenient and equitable access for residents, vaccination teams have been deployed across majlis, malls, workplaces, embassies, worker accommodations, and major government entities, supported by awareness messages across community channels.

Weekly mall activations across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, paired with neighbourhood-level majlis sessions, continue to advance the campaign’s reach.

Priority outreach is being directed toward older adults, children, pregnant women, individuals with chronic conditions and frontline workers.

As part of the campaign’s focus on prevention, ADPHC continues to emphasise the importance of personal preventive precautions, such as regular handwashing, covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and staying home when unwell. When combined with the seasonal vaccine, these everyday habits form a powerful defence against influenza and help reduce community transmission.

Health monitoring during the early months of the season shows that hospital admissions for influenza-related complications have been largely concentrated among individuals who did not receive the vaccine, particularly older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and young children, a pattern that aligns with global evidence demonstrating the protective effect of annual vaccinations in reducing severe disease, complications and prolonged recovery.

Dr. Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, said: “Reaching more than 350,000 vaccinations this season demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s continued commitment to prevention and community wellbeing. Through the annual campaign, we are ensuring that every resident - across workplaces, malls, majlis and cultural venues - has convenient access to protection.

"Our goal is to reduce complications, support vulnerable groups and strengthen the emirate’s long-term resilience. We encourage families, parents, employers and community members to take the vaccine and help protect those around them.”

Seasonal influenza remains one of the leading respiratory infections worldwide, and annual vaccination is internationally recognised as the most effective way to reduce illness, complications and hospital burden. Abu Dhabi provides updated influenza vaccines aligned with global health recommendations.

Community members are urged to receive their seasonal influenza vaccine through participating primary health facilities, or through the community-based annual vaccination booths located across the emirate.

ADPHC will continue expanding outreach, monitoring influenza trends, and working closely with partners to strengthen public health preparedness.