By Staff Reporter
September vaccination gives the body time to build protection as influenza cases are expected to rise from October
DUBAI: Doctors are urging UAE residents to get their annual influenza vaccine in September, ahead of an expected rise in flu and respiratory infections during the cooler months.
The UAE’s 2026–27 seasonal influenza vaccination campaign has expanded to include seven priority groups: pregnant women, children aged six months and above, school students, elderly people, those with chronic illnesses, healthcare workers, and people travelling for Hajj and Umrah.
Health experts say September is an important window for vaccination because the body generally needs about two weeks to develop protective immunity.
Dr Malaz Yabrodi, Specialist Internal Medicine at Medcare Shaikh Saqr Al Qasimi Hospital in Sharjah, said influenza cases were already being detected, although activity remained relatively low.
“We can expect to see an increase in cases in the coming weeks and months, with December and January seeing more cases,” Yabrodi said, urging residents to get vaccinated before cases increase during the colder months.
Dubai Health Authority guidelines recommend that the flu vaccine be taken in September or early winter, before influenza activity increases.
Dr Likha Rajan, General Practitioner at Aster Clinic, Al Wasl Village, said vaccination in September provides sufficient time for immunity to develop before community transmission increases.
She added that residents who miss the September window should still get vaccinated later, as the vaccine remains beneficial while influenza viruses are circulating.
Flu activity expected to increase
According to Rajan, influenza activity in the UAE is expected to increase during the autumn months, with a more noticeable rise from October onwards.
The highest levels of activity are generally seen between December and February, with January often recording significant flu activity.
Doctors, however, cautioned that it is too early to determine which influenza strain will dominate during the 2026–27 season or how severe the season will be.
Children and travellers among priority groups
Doctors are placing particular emphasis on vaccination for children, elderly people, pregnant women and Hajj and Umrah travellers.
Children can contribute to the spread of influenza in schools and nurseries because of close contact with other children. Vaccination can also help reduce school absences and the resulting disruption for parents.
Travellers performing Hajj or Umrah are advised to receive the vaccine at least two weeks before travelling to allow time for immunity to develop.
UAE expands respiratory disease protection
The UAE has also expanded its seasonal vaccination campaign to include protection against respiratory diseases.
Pregnant women and older adults are among the high-risk groups being encouraged to receive vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can cause more serious illness, including pneumonia and bronchiolitis, particularly among infants and older adults.
Needle-free flu vaccine available
Residents who are uncomfortable with injections also have a needle-free option. MOHAP introduced a nasal-spray influenza vaccine in 2025, providing an alternative to injectable flu vaccines for eligible residents.
With influenza activity expected to increase in the coming months, doctors are advising residents not to wait until symptoms appear before taking preventive measures.
For many residents, the message for September is straightforward: get vaccinated early, before the winter flu season gathers pace.
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