Health Country October 29, 2025

UAE Ministry of Health Advises Annual Flu Vaccine for Six Vulnerable Groups

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has identified six groups most vulnerable to seasonal influenza and strongly advised them to get the annual flu vaccine for effective protection. These groups include senior citizens, young children, pilgrims, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses, and healthcare workers. The ministry highlighted that the vaccine provides 70-90% protection for healthy adults and helps reduce hospitalization and death rates. MoHAP also emphasized the vaccine's proven safety and reliability, used worldwide for over six decades, and urged the public to get vaccinated early, ideally before the winter season. Additionally, the ministry reminded everyone to take preventive measures, such as avoiding close contact with sick individuals, washing hands regularly, and covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing. Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses, with symptoms including fever, headache, fatigue, cough, and muscle pain. While most people recover within a week, those in high-risk groups may experience severe illness requiring hospitalization. MoHAP's 2025–2026 Seasonal Influenza Awareness Guide also stressed the importance of staying home when experiencing fever or flu-like symptoms and cleaning frequently touched surfaces to prevent the spread of the virus.


UAE Ministry of Health Advises Annual Flu Vaccine for Six Vulnerable Groups

In the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), a group of seasonal influenza and pneumonia viruses (A, B, and C) was identified, which are the main cause of seasonal influenza outbreaks and related recommendations. As experts note, vaccination is an effective way to protect against infection and reduce the severity of symptoms. The ministry urges taking the vaccine to reduce the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable categories of the population.

**Risk Groups** Based on MoHAP data, vaccination is recommended for: - people with chronic illnesses; - children from 6 months to 5 years; - the elderly; - pregnant women; - people with chronic diseases of the respiratory system (asthma, COPD, emphysema, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, non-systemic diseases); - medical workers.

**Vaccine Effectiveness** As checked in the ministry, the vaccine provides 70–90% protection against clinical manifestations of influenza in healthy adults. It also reduces the risk of hospitalizations and deaths associated with complications.

**Profile** MoHAP emphasizes the importance of additional measures without vaccination: — Avoid contact with the sick, or wear a mask. — Regularly wash and disinfect hands. — Stay home when symptoms of influenza appear, such as fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, or fatigue. — Use a handkerchief or tissue when coughing and sneezing. — Avoid close contact with the sick. — Regularly ventilate the room, especially if used by sick people.

**Prevention Measures** The seasonal influenza virus is of types A, B, and C, which circulate in the defined periods of the year. The incubation period lasts from one to four days. The disease develops suddenly, with symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and often contact with contaminated surfaces.

**Vaccination and Side Effects** Each interaction with an active virus begins to produce antibodies only after the introduction. Scientists confirm that the vaccine is safe and is in use for over 60 years. Common side effects, such as a slight fever, low temperature, or general malaise, usually pass on their own.

**Key Symptoms** Among the main symptoms are: high temperature, headache, weakness, cough, muscle and joint pain, fever, chills, and nausea. In children, there may be vomiting or diarrhea. Usually, the disease lasts from 3 to 5 days. Typically, recovery begins within a few days, but for the influenza group, it can be severe.