MoHAP launched the annual national seasonal influenza awareness campaign under the theme, Protect Yourself... Protect Your Community.

High-risk groups like pregnant women, people with medical conditions and chronic diseases, children, and the elderly should get flu shots as soon as possible, according to a top official from the Infectious Disease Sector at the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre. Under the slogan "Protect Yourself... Protect Your Community," the annual national seasonal influenza awareness campaign was launched by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP).

The initiative, which is being run in conjunction with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Emirates Health Services (EHS), aims to boost influenza immunity and reduce risk during the colder months. It is planned for the campaign to last from September 2023 until March 2024. The initiative seeks to increase vaccination rates by ensuring that vaccinations are easily accessible to target populations and educating healthcare professionals about global best practises for influenza prevention.

The ministry urges locals to get the quadrivalent influenza vaccination, which is available throughout this season. The flu shot sometimes referred to as the influenza vaccination, is a preventative strategy to guard against the seasonal flu virus. For certain groups, the immunisations are free to receive, while for others, they cost Dh 50.

Early Immunisation: It is advised that locals have their influenza vaccinations as soon as possible, ideally before the peak flu season in December and January.

High-Risk categories: Individuals in high-risk categories, such as the elderly, pregnant women, small children, and people with underlying medical issues, will receive priority. These populations are more susceptible to serious influenza complications.

The programme will be advertised across a variety of media, including social media platforms, newspapers, websites, television, and radio in order to achieve widespread awareness. To further support the campaign's message, visual awareness information will also be delivered via news websites and television channels.