Back-to-School alert: UAE parents rush for flu shots to protect kids

With the new academic year set to begin on Monday, hospitals are reporting a sharp rise in the number of parents getting their children vaccinated against influenza.

Paediatricians said families are taking proactive steps to protect children from seasonal flu, which can cause serious illness and school absences.

“With schools reopening and increased social interactions, children are particularly vulnerable to the influenza virus, which can lead to serious health complications if left unchecked,” said Dr Binoy Thomas, Specialist Paediatrician at NMC Medical Centre, Al Nahda.

He stressed that children play a “central role” in flu transmission.

“They are more likely to catch and spread the virus in schools and daycare centres. Their immune systems are still developing, making it harder to fight off infections. Severe flu cases can lead to pneumonia, ear infections, or hospitalisation,” Dr Thomas noted.

Dr Helen Ismael, Specialist Paediatrics at Burjeel Medical Center, Al Zeina, Abu Dhabi, confirmed an uptick in demand.

“In the past week, we’ve seen a rise in the number of children vaccinated compared to earlier this month. Parents are becoming more proactive in protecting their children’s health as the school year begins,” she said.

Doctors emphasise that vaccination not only prevents influenza but also reduces severe complications and limits the spread of the virus in classrooms and at home.

“Children spend long hours together in classrooms, making it easy for viruses to spread,” Dr Ismael said.

“Flu shots help prevent serious complications like pneumonia, asthma flare-ups or dehydration. It also helps protect the family and community, because vaccinated children are less likely to pass the flu to others.”

Health experts urge schools and parents to reinforce simple precautions alongside vaccination:

Frequent handwashing for at least 20 seconds

Use of hand sanitiser in classrooms and common areas

Covering sneezes and coughs with tissues or elbows

Regular disinfection of desks and doorknobs

Proper ventilation in classrooms and physical distancing where possible.

Doctors also called on parents to dismiss myths about the flu vaccine.

“Despite proven safety and effectiveness, vaccination rates among children remain lower than recommended, partly due to persistent myths and misinformation. The flu vaccine does not cause the flu and that receiving it annually is essential because immunity wanes over time, and the virus itself mutates frequently,” Dr Thomas added.