Seasonal Flu Vaccinations in Dubai: Why They're Important | ExpatWoman.com
 

Residents Are Being Urged to Get Their Flu Shots

Dubai residents are being reminded to get their flu shots after recent deaths in the emirate

Posted on

19 November 2018

Last updated on 19 November 2018
by Rebecca Roberts
Flu vaccinations in Dubai

Following recent reports of deaths in Dubai due to flu, residents are being urged to get their season flu vaccinations.

Over the past couple of weeks, two schoolgirls have contracted the flu and died days later; 17 year old Alia Niyaz Ali and a 9 year old girl both recently passed away due to flu-related complications, reports Khaleej Times.

As a result, Dubai residents are being heavily urged to get their up-to-date season flu shots to protect not only themselves, but others around them, too.

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In September, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) reminded Dubai residents to take steps against the seasonal flu.

To raise awareness, MOHAP launched the "National Seasonal Flu Awareness Campaign", in collaboration with the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), which will run until the end of 2018.

Where to get the flu vaccination in Dubai

Expatriate residents in Dubai are able to get their seasonal influenza vaccinations for 40 - 80 Dhs per person at over 76 primary healthcare centres across the emirate. For Emiratis, the flu vaccine shots are available free of charge.

To find the nearest doctor and clinic to you in Dubai, you can check out our directory here.

It is advised to have your annual flu vaccine in Dubai between September and October.

How does the flu vaccination work

The flu vaccine is safe for anyone starting from the age of 6 months and upwards. Although, there are some exceptions; such as pregnant women, smokers, individuals with chronic diseases and those aged 65 years and older.

Having the flu vaccine in Dubai will not give you the flu, and it does not cure the flu; rather it prevents complications from arising. The vaccination contains noninfectious particles of the seasonal influenza virus, which alert the body to the threat of the virus.

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Dubai residents should have their flu vaccine once a year - and it protects you from the flu for the whole year. Protection takes up to 2 weeks to develop after having the shot.

Flu vaccine in Dubai and UAE

Signs and symptoms of the flu to watch out for

To help determine the severity of the case, whether individually or for another family member or friend, you should look out for the following symptoms of the flu:

  • If the person/child continues to get sicker and has a persistent fever
  • If they have rapid/troubled breathing, which means the infection has spread to the lungs
  • If the person/child develops a blue-ish hue to their skin
  • If they're not ready to interact, or if they feel drowsy
  • If they have a fever with a rash
  • If they have a fever with a severe cough
  • Refusing to/cannot take fluids
 
 

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