Flu season warning in UAE: Citizens advised to receive new vaccine, stronger dosage for certain individuals
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently launched the 10th annual seasonal influenza awareness campaign under the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP). The campaign aims to promote the importance of getting vaccinated against the flu and emphasises the need for broad community coverage.
The seasonal influenza vaccine is designed to provide immunity against the most common viruses causing the illness and is updated annually to match the strains expected to circulate that season. This year, the vaccine will also be available in a higher dose for certain high-risk groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic medical conditions.
Healthcare facilities are expected to receive the vaccines with higher doses for the elderly soon. The flu vaccine is available to all residents from the age of six months and above, ensuring that everyone has access to protection.
Symptoms of seasonal influenza typically begin 1-4 days after infection and usually last around a week. It is crucial to get the flu shot early to protect oneself and one's family, as it takes up to two weeks for the body to build immunity and get full protection.
Residents are urged to take the flu vaccine every year as the most effective way to protect against infection and prevent serious health complications. According to the World Health Organisation, around a billion cases of seasonal influenza occur annually, including 3-5 million cases of severe illness. It causes 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths annually, with developing countries accounting for 99 per cent of deaths in children under five years of age with influenza-related lower respiratory tract infections.
In addition to the general population, the campaign targets groups at higher risk of infection and complications, including healthcare workers, pregnant women, children under the age of five, elderly individuals, and people with chronic medical conditions.
To ensure that healthcare workers are aware of the need to recommend a flu shot to patients from high-risk groups, a centralised alert system has been launched in Abu Dhabi. This system will remind healthcare workers about the importance of vaccination and help promote the campaign's message.
Taking the flu vaccine every year is recommended as the most effective way to protect against infection and prevent serious health complications. While getting a flu jab does not guarantee that those vaccinated will not get infected at all, it will minimise the impact and reduce severe complications.
So, make sure to get your flu shot this season and help protect yourself, your family, and your community from the flu. The flu vaccine is a simple and effective way to stay healthy and prevent the spread of this common illness.
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