Abu Dhabi Flu Vaccination Campaign Surpasses 350,000 Injections in Record Turnout

Abu Dhabi’s 2025–2026 seasonal influenza vaccination campaign has achieved a record high, with over 350,000 residents vaccinated since its launch, more than doubling uptake compared with previous seasons. The campaign, led by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) in collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, runs from September 2025 through March 2026.

Vaccinations are offered across an extensive network of locations, including shopping malls, workplaces, community majlis, labor accommodations, government offices, embassies, and cultural centres, making access easier for residents. Weekly mall events and daily community visits ensure the vaccine reaches all groups, particularly high-risk populations such as seniors, pregnant women, children, individuals with chronic conditions, and frontline workers.

Dr. Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADPHC, said, “Exceeding 350,000 vaccinations demonstrates the community’s commitment to preventive healthcare. Our goal is to protect residents, reduce complications, and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s overall health preparedness.”

The campaign emphasizes that vaccination is most effective when combined with personal preventive measures, including hand hygiene, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, avoiding close contact with the infected, and staying home when unwell. Health data indicate that hospital admissions due to influenza are mostly among unvaccinated individuals, reinforcing the importance of annual immunization.

Seasonal influenza is a contagious respiratory infection with symptoms ranging from fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, muscle pain, and occasionally vomiting or diarrhea. The disease spreads via respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, with outbreaks peaking during winter months. The vaccine is updated annually to protect against prevalent viral strains.

Residents are encouraged to receive their influenza vaccines at accredited primary healthcare centres or campaign vaccination points across Abu Dhabi to safeguard themselves, their families, and the wider community.