UAE expands influenza campaign to include seasonal respiratory diseases and school vaccination

The UAE launches a nationwide campaign to combat influenza and respiratory illnesses, extending its focus to include seasonal diseases and vaccinating school children, with an emphasis on behaviour change alongside immunisation as winter approaches.

The UAE has launched its 2026-2027 national awareness campaign on influenza and seasonal respiratory diseases, widening the annual drive beyond flu alone and urging residents to take vaccination and basic hygiene measures seriously as the colder months approach. The Ministry of Health and Prevention said the campaign, carried out with health authorities across the country, is intended to sharpen public understanding of how respiratory infections spread, who faces the greatest risk and how complications can be reduced. It will run until the end of March under the slogan: “Protect Yourself… Protect Your Community.”

For the first time, the campaign also includes seasonal respiratory illnesses in its scope and adds school students to the list of groups encouraged to be vaccinated nationwide. UAE health authorities said the broader approach is meant to combine protection through immunisation with practical behaviour changes, especially for people more likely to suffer serious illness, including older adults, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic conditions.

In Abu Dhabi, officials said children will have access to a nasal spray flu vaccine at a range of health facilities this year, while Sharjah Health Authority has said flu vaccination will be covered through a policy issued by one insurance company for the first time. Other health bodies are also studying whether seasonal flu shots can be offered more widely through health insurance, in coordination with insurers and regulators. The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre says the flu vaccine is updated each year and remains the most effective way to lower infection rates, reduce symptoms and limit hospital admissions.

Health authorities are also emphasising preventive habits alongside vaccination. The campaign promotes regular handwashing, proper cough etiquette, good ventilation indoors, mask-wearing when needed and getting recommended vaccines in line with approved medical guidance. The Ministry of Health and Prevention says the drive will be delivered through media, digital platforms, healthcare facilities and community events in an effort to reach families across the country before flu activity peaks.