Abu Dhabi calls on public to take seasonal flu jab

It costs Dh50 and is free of charge for Emirati citizens, those aged 65 and above, children under five and others with chronic conditions such as asthma

Major investment in healthcare services has paid off during the pandemic. Pawan Singh / The National

Health chiefs in Abu Dhabi have urged citizens and residents to take the seasonal flu vaccine as winter starts.

The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre noted on Monday it was particularly important this year because of Covid-19.

Preventing flu could help ease the pressure on hospitals treating coronavirus patients.

It costs Dh50 and is free of charge for Emirati citizens, those aged 65 and above, healthcare workers, children below five, individuals who have recently completed a pilgrimage of Makkah, smokers and those with chronic conditions including asthma among others.

"We call on all members of the community to be vaccinated, as it is the best way to prevent and reduce the complications of seasonal influenza," said Matar Al Nuaimi, director general of the centre which falls under the aegis of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi.

"This will contribute to limiting the spread of the virus among members of the community and preserving the health of people of all ages, which will enhance the efficiency of the health sector and improve the quality of its services."

The shot is administered at all Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) and Mubadala Healthcare facilities in the emirate.

Seasonal flu mainly affects the respiratory system and the symptoms range from mild to severe. People affected can develop inflammation of the lungs, ear and sinuses.

A similar call was made in Dubai, with health chiefs there also urging people to get vaccinated.

More information on the Abu Dhabi flu campaign can be found on the Department of Health's website.

The National's Nick Webster receives a flu jab from nurse Resy Hussain at Prime Hospital in Dubai. Medics urged the public to get vaccinated this winter, which may help to prevent confusion between flu and Covid-19 symptoms. Pawan Singh / The National

The vaccine costs patients between Dh25 and Dh70 in most UAE clinics and hospitals. Pawan Singh / The National

Dr Adel Mohamed Yasin Alsisi, a consultant in critical care at Prime Hospital, said elderly, children and those with underlying medical conditions should take the flu vaccine this winter. Pawan Singh / The National

Nurse Resy Hussain gives the flu shot to patient Flora Mae. Pawan Singh / The National

The vaccine does not give any protection against Covid-19, but could ease the burden on doctors this winter. Victor Besa / The National