Health authorities urge vulnerable populations to receive the flu vaccine
In a proactive move to safeguard the most vulnerable members of society, the UAE is offering free flu shots to reduce the risk of severe illness during the upcoming flu season.Following a spike in flu cases during the Australian winter, which often serves as a precursor for flu outbreaks worldwide, health authorities in the UAE are intensifying their efforts to protect the young, elderly, and those with health conditions.
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The flu season is expected to surge from the end of the month and persist until March. The latest flu vaccine is readily available at hospitals, primary health centers, clinics, and pharmacies across the nation.
Australia reported nearly 200,000 cases of flu during its winter, with children being particularly susceptible to complications. This heightened level of infection in the Southern Hemisphere prompted the UAE to enhance its preventive measures.
Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the Executive Director of Infectious Diseases at the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, emphasized the importance of monitoring global flu trends and learning from the Southern Hemisphere's experience to prepare for the UAE's winter season.
The community's support in getting vaccinated promptly is crucial, as it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to build sufficient immunity.
The latest flu vaccine provides protection against various flu strains. Seasonal flu is highly contagious and spreads through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face.
Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, headaches, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea in children. In March, a highly contagious H3N2 strain in India led to an increase in hospital admissions and deaths in young children and the elderly.
As new variants of Covid-19 circulate globally, the precautions against flu remain the same. Newcomers to the UAE are encouraged to receive a Covid-19 booster vaccine, and individuals with flu or Covid-19 symptoms are urged to isolate.
The flu vaccination campaign targets a wide range of people, with priority given to pregnant women, those over 50, individuals with chronic medical conditions, children under five, and healthcare workers.
School campaigns will promote vaccination among students. Those outside the vulnerable category who choose to be vaccinated can do so for a fee of Dh50 ($13).
Dr. Shamsa Lootah of Emirates Health Services encouraged everyone to get vaccinated and take preventive measures to reduce the spread of the virus. The Ministry of Education and schools are collaborating to ensure comprehensive plans for vaccination coverage within schools, including teachers and staff.
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By: Vibha Kapoor
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