UAE urges residents to get flu vaccine ahead of seasonal peak

The Ministry of Health and Prevention has launched the 2026–2027 season of its Awareness Campaign on Influenza and Seasonal Respiratory Diseases under the theme “Protect Yourself… Protect Your Community”.The campaign aims to strengthen public awareness, encourage individuals to receive recommended vaccinations, and promote healthy everyday practices that can help reduce the spread of respiratory infections and the risk of associated complications.The campaign, which will run until March 2027, was unveiled at a press conference hosted by the Ministry of Health and Prevention in Dubai.Dr. Hussein Abdulrahman Al Rand said the new season marks an evolution in the campaign’s approach, expanding its focus beyond influenza awareness to promote a more comprehensive understanding of respiratory disease prevention.He noted that the true value of awareness lies not in the volume of messages communicated, but in its ability to turn knowledge into informed health decisions and behaviors that protect individuals and those around them.His Excellency added that expanding the campaign’s scope to include respiratory diseases provides a more comprehensive approach, bringing together immunization, healthy behaviors, protection of vulnerable groups, and access to accurate health information within a unified framework.This approach supports the transformation of awareness into daily practice, in cooperation with health authorities and partners across the UAE.Importance of VaccinationDr. Abdelaziz Saeed Almheiri, Chairman of Sharjah Health Authority, affirmed that the Authority’s participation in the Awareness Campaign on Influenza and Seasonal Respiratory Diseases reflects its commitment to promoting health awareness and reinforcing prevention as an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.His Excellency said: “Prevention and health awareness are fundamental to safeguarding community health. Through the integrated efforts of health authorities across the UAE, we seek to raise awareness of the importance of vaccination and healthy practices that help reduce the spread of respiratory diseases and protect groups most vulnerable to complications. At Sharjah Health Authority, we emphasize the importance of shared responsibility in building a healthier and more health-conscious community, supporting quality of life and sustainable health for all.”Dr. Nada Al Marzouqi stressed that timely immunization is a key pillar of prevention, noting that the body requires approximately two weeks after receiving the influenza vaccine to develop an adequate immune response.This makes early vaccination, ahead of the seasonal peak, particularly important, alongside consistent daily health practices that help curb the spread of infection.She added that influenza vaccination is recommended from the age of six months onwards, in line with approved health guidance.It is particularly important for those most vulnerable to complications, including older adults, children, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, immunocompromised individuals, and healthcare professionals.Raising AwarenessDr Shamsa Lootah affirmed that the Campaign reflects the UAE’s commitment to advancing prevention and promoting community health by raising awareness and encouraging individuals to adopt healthy and preventive practices.She noted that immunization represents a key pillar of the prevention framework and plays an essential role in strengthening protection against seasonal influenza, reducing its complications, and mitigating the risks associated with respiratory diseases.Dr. Lootah further explained that receiving recommended vaccinations in a timely manner, in accordance with approved health recommendations, alongside adherence to preventive practices, contributes to strengthening both individual and community protection and limiting the transmission of infections.She emphasized that prevention begins with individual awareness and called on members of the community to take the initiative to get vaccinated and follow appropriate preventive measures, in support of national efforts to build a healthier society.Preventive PracticesDr. Aysha AlBasti said: “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.”She added: “We encourage everyone, particularly older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions or weakened immunity, to take the seasonal flu vaccine. Through greater awareness and prevention, we can help reduce infections and protect the health and wellbeing of our community.”High-Risk groups remain a priorityThe campaign places particular focus on prevention messages that reflect the specific health needs of groups at greater risk of complications.These messages are designed to help individuals in these groups and their families understand risk factors and preventive measures, while encouraging adherence to recommended vaccinations and appropriate health practices, thereby strengthening their protection throughout the season.Campaign activities will run throughout the season across a wide range of channels, including media outlets, digital platforms, healthcare facilities, partner networks, and community events.The Ministry will monitor the campaign’s impact key indicators measuring public understanding of its messages, changes in preventive behavior, and vaccination uptake. These insights will help refine future awareness efforts and strengthen their health and societal impact.