UAE Health Authorities Launch Flu Season Campaign, Urge New Vaccine and Higher Dose for Vulnerable Groups

Dubai, UAE – As flu season returns to the UAE, health authorities are urging residents to get vaccinated with the newly updated influenza vaccine  and are recommending a higher-dose version for those most at risk. The initiative is part of the 10th annual national seasonal influenza awareness campaign, launched on Thursday under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP). 

Speaking at the launch, Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at MoHAP, emphasized the importance of annual immunisation, stating that yearly vaccination remains the most effective defence against infection and serious complications.

The 2025 campaign themed “Protect Yourself… Protect Your Community” is focused on increasing public awareness and vaccine uptake, particularly among vulnerable groups. These include healthcare workers, pregnant women, children under five, the elderly, and individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease.

Flu shots are available to all UAE residents aged six months and older, with health centres across the country already stocked with the new seasonal vaccine. For seniors and medically vulnerable groups, a high-dose flu vaccine is being recommended, designed to offer stronger immunity against circulating strains. 

Globally, the impact of influenza remains significant. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), seasonal influenza causes an estimated 1 billion infections annually, with 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness and between 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory-related deaths each year.

MoHAP's campaign aims to keep UAE flu infection rates low by promoting early vaccination, public education, and stronger protection for high-risk communities. Residents are encouraged to get their shots as soon as possible to help curb the spread before peak flu months set in.