Flu vaccine in the UAE – how to keep your family safe against viral infections
Find out if you can get the vaccine for free in the UAE
Dubai: Flu season is now upon us, and with it comes the annual reminder of the importance of getting a flu vaccination. The best way to protect yourself and your family during these months is by receiving the flu vaccine. In September 2024, the UAE launched its flu vaccination campaign, which will run until March.
From the age of six months on, residents are eligible to take the flu vaccine, and it is highly advised that people in the vulnerable group – pregnant women, the elderly and those with chronic diseases – ensure that they take the vaccine.
If you, too, would like to get the flu shot, here are the details on how you can get one.
Who should be vaccinated?
According to the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), everyone starting from the age of six months can get the flu vaccine. Vaccination is particularly important for the following groups as they are at a higher risk of influenza infection and complications:
Healthcare workers.
Pregnant women.
Children below 5 years.
School-aged children (5 - 18 years).
Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
Smokers.
People aged 50 years and above.
People with high-risk conditions such as:
- Taking treatments that weaken their immune system like radiation therapy and other treatment for cancer. - Having damaged spleen or removed spleen.
- Having long-term health problems (chronic disease) such as diabetes or heart disease, chronic lung disease (including asthma), chronic liver disease, kidney disease or extreme obesity, with Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more.
Abu Dhabi
Citizens and residents in Abu Dhabi can get the flu shot for free at over 100 locations, including the following:
Dubai
You can book a flu vaccine appointment through the ‘Dubai Health’ app, which is available for Apple and Android devices. To book an appointment, follow these steps:
Dubai public health centres where you can get the flu vaccine
Al Barsha health centre
Al Badaa health centre
Al Khawaneej health centre
Al Lussaily health centre
Al Mizhar health centre
Al Mankhool health centre
Nadd Al Hamar health centre
Nadd Al Shiba health centre
Al Towar health centre
Zabeel health centre
Umm Suqeim health centre
Al Qusais health centre
Cost: Dh50
You can also get the flu vaccine at a private hospital or clinic in the emirate. However, the cost would vary based on the provider.
Northern emirates
If you are living in Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain, you can get the flu vaccine through Emirates Health Services (EHS) health centres that are located in all these emirates, as well as in Dubai.
To book the appointment, you can call the EHS hotline – 800 8877 – or by starting a live chat through the EHS app, which is available for Apple and Android devices.
Cost: Dh50
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