The UAE flu campaign now covers wider seasonal respiratory diseases, with residents encouraged to get recommended vaccinations and follow preventive measures.
DUBAI: UAE health authorities have expanded the country’s annual influenza initiative for the 2026-2027 season to cover seasonal respiratory diseases more broadly, as officials encourage residents to get vaccinated early and adopt everyday preventive practices.
The UAE flu campaign, launched by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) under the theme “Protect Yourself… Protect Your Community”, will continue until March 2027. It aims to increase public awareness, encourage recommended vaccinations and reduce the spread and complications of seasonal respiratory infections.
A significant change this season is the broader focus beyond influenza. Health authorities say seasonal respiratory illnesses generally become more common between September and March, making prevention and timely immunisation particularly important during the coming months.
Dr Nada Al Marzouqi, Director of the Public Health and Prevention Department at MoHAP, said the body needs approximately two weeks after an influenza vaccination to develop an adequate immune response. Officials are therefore encouraging vaccination ahead of the seasonal peak.
Influenza vaccination is recommended for people aged six months and above. Greater emphasis is being placed on groups at increased risk of complications, including children, older adults, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, immunocompromised individuals and healthcare workers. School students and people travelling for Hajj and Umrah have also been added to priority messaging this season.
The campaign has also widened its respiratory disease messaging to include respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. UAE health officials are highlighting protection for groups particularly vulnerable to serious RSV illness, including pregnant women and older adults.
Vaccination is only one part of the prevention message. Authorities are also encouraging regular handwashing, respiratory hygiene, cleaning frequently touched surfaces and limiting contact with others when experiencing symptoms.
The UAE flu campaign will be promoted through healthcare facilities, digital platforms, media, community events and partner networks. MoHAP also plans to track indicators including vaccination uptake, public understanding and changes in preventive behaviour to help assess the campaign’s impact.
For residents, the central message is to consider protection before seasonal infections reach their peak rather than waiting until illness is already circulating widely.
Impact to expect
The expanded campaign could increase vaccination awareness across the UAE while helping families recognise that seasonal prevention extends beyond influenza to other respiratory infections that can pose greater risks to vulnerable people.
