SAMIHAH ZAMAN (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi residents can now get their flu vaccines without booking an appointment. Seha is vaccinating any resident who visits a clinic, even those without a booking.
"If you're calling about the flu vaccine, we have good news. There is no need to wait on the line or book an appointment. Simply visit your nearest Seha clinic and receive your flu vaccine directly. Wishing you continued health and wellbeing," residents are informed through an automated recording on Seha's 80050 helpline.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) on Tuesday also launched its annual influenza and seasonal respiratory diseases awareness campaign at a conference in Dubai.
Running until March 2027 under the theme 'Protect Yourself. Protect Your Community', the campaign aims to raise public awareness, encourage vaccination, and promote daily preventive practices to reduce the spread of respiratory infections and related complications.
Influenza vaccination is recommended from six months of age, in accordance with health guidance in the UAE. Priority groups include older adults, children under five, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, immunocompromised individuals, and healthcare professionals.
Hussein Abdulrahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Public Health Sector at MoHAP, said the new season expands the campaign beyond influenza awareness to provide a broader approach to preventing respiratory diseases.
The human body requires around two weeks after receiving the influenza vaccine to develop an adequate immune response, added Nada Al Marzouqi, Director of the Public Health and Prevention Department at MoHAP, adding that early vaccination ahead of the seasonal peak is important alongside consistent preventive practices.
Aysha AlBasti, Chair of Family Medicine at Dubai Health, said the flu can affect wide swathes of the community.
“Seasonal influenza and respiratory illnesses can affect anyone, but some members of our community are more vulnerable to complications. Vaccination, alongside simple preventive practices, remains one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves and those around us," Al Basti said.
Campaign activities will run throughout the season across media, digital platforms, healthcare facilities, partner networks, and at community events.
MoHAP will also monitor indicators including public understanding of campaign messages, changes in preventive behaviour, and vaccination uptake to assess impact and strengthen awareness initiatives.