UAE prepares for flu season by urging vulnerable groups to take vaccine
Vulnerable groups in the UAE have been urged to take the flu vaccine to protect themselves this winter. A national campaign was launched on Tuesday, with the flu season in the UAE usually beginning in late September and running until late March. In the Southern Hemisphere, which has just had its winter, the total number of cases dropped significantly this year, compared with a far more severe…
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is preparing for the flu season by encouraging vulnerable groups to receive the flu vaccine. A national campaign was initiated on Tuesday, as the flu season typically starts in late September and ends in late March. The Southern Hemisphere, which has just experienced its winter, reported significantly fewer cases this year compared to the severe 2025 season. Experts consider the severity of cases in the Southern Hemisphere as an indicator for seasonal flu in the UAE.
While most individuals recover from flu without treatment, the virus can still pose risks, especially for vulnerable groups. The Ministry of Health and Prevention has urged children, the elderly, healthcare workers, expectant mothers, and people with chronic health conditions to take protective measures. Dr. Hussain Al Rand, assistant undersecretary for public health at the ministry, emphasized that the UAE is strengthening prevention as a sustainable national approach to safeguard public health.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines and influenza and other seasonal respiratory diseases. Healthcare workers will also be trained in global best practices for prevention. Although the flu virus mutates annually, new vaccines are needed before winter to protect people. According to the World Health Organisation, seasonal flu causes about one billion cases worldwide, including three million to five million severe illnesses, and up to 650,000 respiratory deaths annually. Developing countries account for 99 percent of deaths in children under five.
Dr. Heidi Abdelhamid, a GP at Medcare Medical Centre in Al Yufrah, Dubai, recommended good hand hygiene alongside vaccination as the best defense against flu. She stressed that proactive preparation, including vaccination, is crucial to reduce the risk of severe disease and complications. Dr. Abdelhamid advised individuals to discuss their vaccination needs with their healthcare provider, who can recommend suitable vaccines based on age, medical history, and individual risk factors. Prevention is always better than treating complications that arise after illness has developed.
Written by urgent.news from The National Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- UAE prepares for flu season by urging vulnerable groups to take vaccine thenationalnews.com
