UAE families start booking flu vaccines ahead of season, data shows

UAE families are booking flu vaccinations earlier this season, with September bookings for at-home vaccinations exceeding the total recorded during the same month last year, according to home services company Justlife.

The company reported that bookings between October and December 2025 were approximately 2.7 times higher than during the same period in 2024. Almost half of the at-home flu vaccinations recorded last season had been administered by the end of October, while nearly nine in 10 had been completed by the end of December.

The figures reflect Justlife's at-home vaccination service and do not represent overall flu vaccination rates across the UAE.

October Is a Good Time to Get the Flu Vaccine

Doctors are encouraging families to consider flu vaccination as children return to school and the seasonal influenza campaign gets underway.

Dr Jenna Burton, medical director at Justlife, said the back-to-school period is a timely reminder for families to plan their vaccinations.

She noted that flu can be mistaken for a common cold, although it often develops suddenly and causes exhaustion, body aches, chills, fever and coughing.

Recognising the symptoms and taking early action is particularly important for children and people at higher risk of complications.

Dr Bassem Shamseddine, specialist paediatrician at Mubadala Health Dubai, said October is a suitable time to receive the vaccine, ideally before influenza begins circulating widely.

He explained that the body takes approximately two weeks to develop protection after vaccination.

Why Annual Flu Vaccination Matters

Doctors recommend annual flu vaccination because circulating influenza strains change and immunity can weaken over time.

Dr Shamseddine said children and adults should generally receive the vaccine every year to maintain protection against seasonal influenza.

Children receiving the vaccine for the first time may require two doses, depending on their vaccination history. Children aged six months to eight years may need two doses administered at least four weeks apart.

The UAE's seasonal influenza awareness campaign runs from September to March, giving families several months to arrange vaccination.

Who Is at Higher Risk of Flu Complications?

Although influenza can affect anyone, certain groups face a greater risk of severe illness and complications.

These include:

Children under five, particularly those under two years old.

Pregnant women.

Adults aged 65 and above.

People with chronic conditions, including asthma, heart disease and diabetes.

Individuals with weakened immune systems.

Healthcare workers and people living with individuals at higher risk.

Dr Shamseddine said flu complications can include pneumonia, worsening of existing medical conditions and hospitalisation.

Doctors advise people in these groups to discuss vaccination and other preventive measures with their healthcare providers.

Flu Symptoms vs Common Cold: How to Tell the Difference

Flu and the common cold can cause similar symptoms, but they often differ in how quickly they develop and how severely they affect the body.

Common flu symptoms include:

Sudden fever and chills.

Headache and body aches.

Significant tiredness or exhaustion.

Coughing and other respiratory symptoms.

Common cold symptoms include:

A runny or blocked nose.

Sneezing.

A milder cough.

Symptoms that generally develop more gradually.

However, symptoms can overlap, and some children with influenza may not develop a fever. Parents should monitor their children's condition rather than relying on a single symptom to identify the illness.

Warning Signs That Require Urgent Medical Attention

Dr Mamata Bothra, specialist paediatrician and neonatologist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, advised parents to seek urgent medical care if a child develops serious symptoms.

These include:

High fever or a persistent cough.

Difficulty breathing.

Severe dehydration or repeated vomiting.

Unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking.

Seizures.

Dr Shamseddine also highlighted bluish lips, confusion and worsening symptoms as warning signs that require medical assessment.

Parents should seek prompt medical attention for babies under three months old who have a temperature of 38°C or higher. Medical advice is also important when a fever or cough improves and then returns or becomes worse.

Nasal-Spray Flu Vaccine Offers a Needle-Free Option

A nasal-spray flu vaccine is available as an alternative to an injection for some people.

Dr Shamseddine said it is generally suitable for healthy, non-pregnant individuals aged two to 49, depending on the vaccine approved and available in the UAE.

However, it may not be suitable for pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems or certain children with asthma or a history of wheezing.

Families should consult a healthcare professional to determine which vaccine is appropriate for their circumstances.

Antiviral Treatment Can Help High-Risk Patients

People who develop flu symptoms may benefit from early medical assessment, particularly if they belong to a high-risk group.

Dr Bothra said antiviral medicines such as oseltamivir may shorten the illness and reduce complications, especially in high-risk patients.

Dr Shamseddine explained that antiviral medicines generally work best when started within the first 48 hours of symptoms. However, treatment may still be beneficial later in severe cases or for people at increased risk.

Doctors advise patients not to delay medically indicated treatment while waiting for symptoms to worsen.

What UAE Families Should Know This Flu Season

With the seasonal influenza campaign running from September to March, doctors are encouraging families to plan vaccinations early, particularly as children return to school.

Annual vaccination, awareness of flu symptoms and timely medical care can help reduce the risk of serious complications. Families should consult their healthcare providers about vaccination schedules, suitable vaccine options and the appropriate response if symptoms develop.