Health authorities in the United Arab Emirates are advising residents to get their flu shots early, broadening immunisation efforts this season to include new vaccines and at-risk groups, amidst a rising emphasis on respiratory disease prevention before the winter peak.
Health authorities in the United Arab Emirates are urging residents to get their seasonal flu jab early, warning that the country is still in the quieter phase of the flu season and that infections typically rise later in the year, especially in December and January. The Ministry of Health and Prevention has broadened this year’s priority list to include schoolchildren and pilgrims heading to Hajj and Umrah, as officials seek to raise uptake before symptoms begin and before the virus starts spreading more widely.
The advice comes as the ministry has launched its 2026-2027 awareness drive on influenza and seasonal respiratory diseases, running under the theme “Protect Yourself… Protect Your Community”. According to the campaign materials, the aim is not only to promote vaccination against flu, but also to encourage everyday steps that reduce the spread of respiratory illness and its complications. Gulf News reported that the updated priorities also reflect concern for people at greater risk of severe disease, as well as those who live with or care for them.
Doctors say timing matters because the vaccine takes around two weeks to build protection, making September an ideal month for vaccination before flu activity increases. Health officials have also advised travellers to complete their vaccinations at least two weeks before departure, particularly those travelling through Dubai and Abu Dhabi for pilgrimage. Older people and pregnant women remain among the groups most strongly urged to receive the vaccine because they are more likely to face complications if infected.
The UAE has also been widening its immunisation options. In November 2025, the Ministry of Health and Prevention introduced a nasal-spray flu vaccine as a needle-free alternative for healthy residents aged two to 49, a move designed to improve access and support mucosal immunity, the body’s first line of defence in the nose and airways. This year’s respiratory campaign has also expanded beyond influenza, with Gulf News reporting that vaccinations against RSV and pneumonia were added to the public health push, underscoring a broader effort to limit winter respiratory illnesses.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
