Great news for residents of Dubai and Abu Dhabi: you can now get your flu shot for free! This was announced during the UAE’s annual national influenza campaign, which kicked off on September 9 and will continue until March 2025. Organized in collaboration with key health authorities like Emirates Health Services (EHS) and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), the campaign aims to protect the community from seasonal flu. Here’s all the essential information you need to know!

Vaccine Accessibility In Abu Dhabi

The campaign ensures that the flu vaccine is easily accessible to both UAE nationals and residents, with over 115 healthcare facilities and licensed pharmacies in Abu Dhabi offering it. Dr. Faisal Alahbabi, acting executive director of the Communicable Diseases Sector at ADPHC, highlighted that flu shots will also be available for home delivery to individuals who may have difficulty visiting healthcare centers, such as the elderly and people with disabilities. Moreover, awareness campaigns will be conducted in multiple languages to emphasize the importance of vaccination for everyone.

Affordable Vaccines In Dubai & Northern Emirates

In Dubai and the Northern Emirates, the flu vaccine is available for as low as AED 50. Emirates Health Services (EHS) is also providing free vaccines to high-risk groups, which include pregnant women, children aged 6 months to 5 years, individuals with chronic diseases, and People of Determination. Dr. Shamsa Majid Lootah, director of Public Health at EHS, emphasized that the vaccine has a safe track record of over 60 years and is essential for protecting not only individuals but entire families.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Flu season in the UAE typically begins in October, and this campaign encourages everyone—citizens, residents, healthcare workers, and employees in both the government and private sectors—to get vaccinated. Special emphasis is placed on high-risk groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions. While the flu shot may not fully prevent the flu, it significantly reduces the severity of symptoms if you do contract it.

High Effectiveness Of This Year’s Vaccine

This year’s flu vaccine is expected to be particularly effective. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S., the strains included in this year’s vaccines closely match those currently circulating. Prof. Abuhammour explained that the flu strains in the vaccine are updated annually based on the viruses from the previous flu season, and this year’s formulation is well-matched to provide strong protection.