Today's Edition
AHMED ABDELAZIZ (ABU DHABI)
Free flu vaccines are available for all at more than 130 public health facilities across Abu Dhabi as part of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre’s (ADPHC) immunisation campaign until March 2026, the authority has confirmed.
ADPHC called on nationals and residents in the emirate to take the vaccine at major public hospitals, medical centres, and health clinics across Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra, and Al Ain regions.
Speaking to Aletihad, Dr Faisal Musleh Al Ahbabi, Executive Director of the Communicable Diseases Sector at ADPHC, said the campaign primarily aims to raise awareness of the need to get vaccinated against influenza every year, as the virus strains are constantly changing.
“In line with the National Influenza Surveillance Programme, we in the emirate of Abu Dhabi have the capabilities to identify the strains that are spreading after collecting samples and examining the sequences to identify the most widespread strains and provide the appropriate vaccination,” Dr Al Ahbabi said.
“In the campaign, we target all public and private schools to raise awareness among students, teachers, and parents, urging them to take the vaccine annually. [This year,] we have introduced a questionnaire which has been sent to parents, aiming to educate them on the necessity of vaccination as a preventive measure.”
Besides making the flu vaccine available free of charge to both citizens and residents at major health centres, ADPHC is also conducting field campaigns at malls near residential compounds and workers’ accommodations across the emirate. Home visits are also carried out to reach the elderly.
Dr Al Ahbabi noted that the flu shot is available for all age groups, including infants as young as six months and pregnant women.
