Get flu shots early to build immunity: Health experts

National Seasonal Flu Awareness Campaign launched

- Nandini Sircar [e-mail]

Public health experts in the UAE are calling on residents to take their influenza shots early in the season to ensure maximum protection, with a higher dose provided for elderly people.

This alert comes as flu activity typically peaks between September and March.

Doctors stressed that the body takes about two weeks to build strong immunity after the vaccine is administered.

“To get the full benefit of the flu shot, people should not wait until they fall sick or the season is at its peak,” said Dr Nada Al Marzouqi, director of the Public Health and Prevention Department at the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP). “That’s why we encourage everyone to come early in the season.”

The reminder came during the launch of the National Seasonal Flu Awareness Campaign 2025-26 on Thursday.

Now in its 10th year, the campaign has seen growing awareness, with more residents — especially high-risk groups — getting vaccinated earlier.

Inline with this, Abu Dhabi has introduced a centralised alert system that notifies healthcare workers to recommend a flu vaccine whenever a high-risk patient is registered at any medical facility in the emirate.