UAE Campaign Boosts Flu Vaccination in Workplaces and Schools

The UAE is ramping up its efforts to ensure widespread flu vaccination across the nation, with a strategic focus on workplaces and academic institutions. This comprehensive initiative, launched by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), is part of the annual national influenza vaccine awareness campaign titled ‘Immunise Yourself… Protect Your Community’. The campaign, in collaboration with Emirates Health Services (EHS), Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), and Dubai Health Authority (DHA), aims to mitigate the health and economic impacts of flu-related sick leaves by targeting employees and students.

Authorities are deploying mobile clinics across labor accommodations in Dubai and the northern emirates, facilitating on-site vaccinations and raising awareness among workers. Companies are being urged to encourage their employees to receive the flu shot, with incentives like extra ‘happy hours’ being offered to motivate participation, as explained by Dr. Shamsa Majid Lootah, Director of Public Health at EHS. The flu vaccine awareness campaign has already demonstrated a reduction in absence from work among government healthcare workers, and similar studies are now being conducted in schools.

Dr. Laila Hussen Aljasmi, Dr. Faisal Alahbabi, Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Dr. Shamsa Majid Lootah, Dr. Walid Abuhammour, and Dr. Abdullah Al Rasasi are key figures leading this initiative, each emphasizing the critical importance of flu vaccination for all, especially high-risk groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions. The World Health Organization underscores vaccination as the most effective measure against influenza, a highly contagious respiratory illness.

Professor Walid Abuhammour from Al Jalila Children’s Hospital highlighted the vaccine’s affordability and recommended it for everyone aged six months and older. He stressed the systemic nature of influenza, which can affect various body systems beyond common symptoms like fever and cough.

Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand emphasized the campaign’s alignment with the National Policy on Vaccinations, fostering a proactive approach to respiratory diseases. This comprehensive awareness drive, running until March 2025, utilizes multiple media platforms to engage the public, aiming to improve vaccination rates and inform about flu prevention measures.

Overall, the campaign not only seeks to shield individuals from flu complications but also to bolster community health by reducing hospital admissions and enhancing the quality of life in the UAE, as Dr. Laila Al Jassmi corroborated through the campaign’s strategic vaccination efforts.