The UAE flu awareness campaign is spreading practical prevention advice across the country, urging residents to protect themselves against influenza and seasonal respiratory diseases.

DUBAI: The UAE flu awareness campaign is stepping up efforts to educate residents about influenza and seasonal respiratory diseases, with health authorities putting prevention, vaccination and reliable health information at the centre of a new nationwide initiative.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention launched the 2026–2027 Awareness Campaign on Influenza and Seasonal Respiratory Diseases on September 15 under the theme “Protect Yourself… Protect Your Community”. The initiative was unveiled at a press conference in Dubai.

Why is UAE launching the campaign?

The central objective is awareness.

Rather than waiting for seasonal illnesses to create complications, UAE health authorities want residents to understand how respiratory infections spread, recognise risk factors and adopt simple preventive habits.

This year’s campaign has also expanded beyond seasonal influenza to cover seasonal respiratory diseases and their preventive measures. Authorities are particularly focusing on people who may face a greater risk of complications.

The UAE flu awareness campaign will spread its messages through media, digital platforms, healthcare facilities and community activities, allowing health information to reach residents through multiple channels.

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Who should pay particular attention?

The campaign is aimed at citizens and residents across the UAE, but authorities are placing additional emphasis on older adults, children under five, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, immunocompromised individuals and healthcare professionals.

These groups are among those being encouraged to pay closer attention to recommended vaccinations and preventive practices.

The message, however, applies to the wider community.

Authorities are promoting regular handwashing, proper cough etiquette, good ventilation in indoor spaces and the use of face masks when needed. Residents are also being encouraged to receive recommended vaccinations in accordance with approved health guidance.

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How will awareness be spread across the UAE?

The campaign brings together health authorities from across the country.

MoHAP is working alongside Emirates Health Services, the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Health and Sharjah Health Authority.

That coordination is designed to create consistent health messaging and make reliable information easier for residents to access.

Health officials have also stressed that vaccination remains an important pillar of prevention, alongside everyday measures that can reduce infection risks.

The UAE flu awareness campaign therefore goes beyond simply telling people to get vaccinated. Its wider goal is to help residents understand respiratory illnesses and turn health information into practical habits at home, work, school and in public spaces.

For the UAE, that approach reflects a broader emphasis on prevention, where awareness and early action are treated as important tools for protecting community health.

Impact to expect

Awareness. Wider public education could encourage residents to adopt preventive habits earlier, improve vaccination awareness and help vulnerable groups better understand how to reduce their risk of seasonal respiratory illness.