Flu vaccine campaign launched across UAE
OFFICIALS: PEOPLE WITH COMORBIDITIES MUST TAKE SHOTS
Despite a drop in influenza cases in the UAE, health officials yesterday called on the public – especially those who are vulnerable and have comorbidities – to take the influenza vaccine before the onset of the flu season, for stronger protection against acute respiratory diseases.
The call was made during the launch of the ‘National Seasonal Flu Awareness Campaign 2021’ by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP). Held under the slogan ‘Protect Yourself ... Protect Your Community’, the campaign is aimed at providing adequate vaccines to inoculate the targeted sectors of the community and to raise the vaccination coverage rate, according to MoHAP.
Vital campaign
Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, MoHAP’s assistant undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, said: “This campaign is one of the most important events MoHAP is keen to organise in order to develop the health system’s response to respiratory diseases, strengthen surveillance mechanisms, and improve the results of the strategic indicator of the vaccination coverage rate in accordance with international standards, by making it [flu vaccination] available in its health facilities and updating the preventive services provided.”
Dr Al Rand added that the public should not ignore flu as worldwide an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 people die annually due to complications from influenza.
Now available
The flu vaccine is now available at all health facilities in the UAE and getting the flu vaccine will also mitigate the burdens on the health sector, he said. “The Ministry ensures the implementation of the precautionary and preventive measures at all health facilities throughout the campaign. This can only be realised through the strengthening of the international health regulations and the concerted efforts and permanent cooperation among all health authorities, which is necessary to mitigate the burdens on the health sector and give it the time to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.”
People wearing face masks, observing physical distancing, regular washing of hands and other precautionary measures have contributed in the decline of respiratory illnesses.”
Dr Hend Ahmad Al Awadhi |Head of Health Promotion and Educational Section at Dubai Health Authority
Different vaccines
When asked if the flu vaccine is needed for those who have already received all doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, Dr Hend Ahmad Al Awadhi, head of Health Promotion and Educational Section at Dubai Health Authority (DHA), clarified that Covid-19 and influenza are different types of viruses and therefore both require separate vaccines.
According to medical experts, influenza is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system – nose, throat and lungs – and is commonly called flu. For most people, the flu resolves on its own, but sometimes it leads to complications that can be fatal, particularly for children under five years old (especially those under six months); adults older than age 65; pregnant women and women up to two weeks after giving birth; and people with weakened immune systems.
Flu on the decline
Dr Al Awadhi said flu cases in the UAE have seen a marked decline since last year due to Covid-19 health protocols. “People wearing face masks, observing physical distancing, regular washing of hands and other precautionary measures have contributed in the decline of respiratory illnesses,” she told Gulf News.
The jab available in the UAE is a “quadrivalent” flu vaccine that is designed to protect against four different flu viruses, including two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses.
According to the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the target groups for seasonal influenza vaccinations are pregnant women, children under five years, elderly, those with chronic illnesses and health care workers.
Free jabs
Dr Al Rand said the flu jab is free for all Emiratis and UAE residents with chronic diseases. Those who do not fall under these categories will need to pay a minimal fee of Dh50 for the single shot.