MoHAP launches annual national seasonal influenza awareness campaign

• The campaign runs until March 2025 under the theme “Immunise Yourself … Protect Your Community.”
• It targets all members of society, with a particular focus on the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic diseases.
• Vaccination is available for everyone aged 6 months and older.
• The campaign to enhance the skills of health workers and train them in best international practices.
• Vaccines will be provided at various health centers to ensure comprehensive coverage.
• The goal is to build a healthy and sustainable society, contributing to an improved quality of life.
• Developing a community where members enjoy sustainable health, thereby enhancing the quality of life.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has launched its annual national seasonal influenza awareness campaign under the theme “Immunise Yourself … Protect Your Community.” Running until March 2025, the campaign is organised in collaboration with Emirates Health Services, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre- Department of Health—Abu Dhabi, Dubai Health Authority, and Dubai Health.

In addition to boosting community awareness and enhancing prevention methods, the campaign aims to reduce disease complications, encourage vaccinations among community members, and improve the proficiency of health workers by training them in the latest international protocols for the prevention and control of seasonal diseases.

The flu drive was launched during a press conference held by the Ministry at the Museum of the Future in Dubai, in the presence of HE Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dr. Faisal Musleh Al Ahbabi, Acting Executive Director of the Communicable Diseases Sector at Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, Dr Shamsa Majid Lootah, Director of the Public Health Department at Emirates Health Services (EHS), Dr. Laila Al Jassmi, Head of Communicable Diseases and Immunization Department at the Ministry, Dr. Abdullah Al Rasasi, Head of Preventive Medicine Department at Dubai Health Authority, and Dr. Walid Mohammed Abu Hammour, Head of the Infectious Disease Department at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital in Dubai Health.

Target groups 

Targeting a wide range of community members, the campaign prioritises pregnant women, individuals aged 50 and above, those with chronic diseases, children under five, and healthcare workers. To effectively spread its awareness messages, the campaign will make use of various media platforms, including the Ministry’s digital channels, newspapers, websites, TV, and radio programs. Additionally, awareness materials will be prepared for broadcast on TV channels and news websites, while community events will be organised in shopping centres and educational institutions to further engage the public.

Comprehensive health coverage

HE Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand emphasised that the national seasonal influenza awareness campaign comes in implementation of the National Policy on Vaccinations, which provides a national framework to combat communicable diseases, including seasonal influenza.

He stated, “Through this campaign, we look forward to improving the health system’s response to respiratory diseases and strengthening surveillance mechanisms by integrating the efforts of health authorities and leveraging the national health system to improve vaccination coverage outcomes through our network of health facilities.”

Al Rand also highlighted that the Ministry will spare no effort to make the most of advanced technologies while forming strategic partnerships with international health organisations and medical companies.

His Excellency emphasized that the National Immunization Program is the most comprehensive preventive measure, enhancing community immunity against targeted infectious diseases through vaccination. It features vaccine campaigns at health centres, government agencies, and mobile units, facilitating access to vaccinations and bolstering disease prevention and management awareness.

He also noted that the seasonal influenza prevention campaign is one of the key initiatives supporting the Ministry’s strategy aimed at fostering a healthy society, improving quality of life, and ensuring the sustainability of health services.

Prevention better than cure

Dr. Faisal Al Ahbabi, Acting Executive Director of the Communicable Diseases Sector, emphasized that the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center is committed to building a healthy and safe society driven by a firm belief that ‘prevention is better than cure, hence, we are collaborating with health sector partners to launch the annual national campaign.

“The 2024’s flu campaign aims to increase community understanding of the fundamental importance of vaccination, the most effective method for preventing influenza and its complications. We urge everyone to follow preventive measures to reduce the spread of the flu virus in the community.”

“We strongly recommend that everyone six months of age and older, especially those in vulnerable groups such as seniors, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses, receive the annual influenza vaccine,” Al Ahbabi said.

Vaccine provision

For her part, Dr. Shamsa Majid Lootah, Director of the Public Health Department at EHS, emphasised that all EHS facilities are prepared with a comprehensive and integrated plan for preventive and curative services, ensuring the vaccine is accessible to all segments of society.

“EHS has provided a wide range of educational materials to educate the community about influenza prevention and the factors contributing to its spread. We have also significantly improved the quality of both preventive and curative services and enhanced the training of health workers.” Lootah urges everyone to get vaccinated and adhere to preventive practices to help control the spread of the disease and safeguard public health.

Vaccine effectiveness

Meanwhile, Dr. Laila Al Jassmi, Head of Communicable Diseases and Immunization Department at the Ministry, shed light on the efficiency and safety of the seasonal influenza vaccine, which has been effective for over six decades. The vaccine not only prevents flu infections but also decreases the severity of symptoms and reduces hospital admissions. Immunity from the vaccine builds within two weeks. Dr. Al Jassmi advised that health workers should be vaccinated to reduce the transmission of the infection to patients and family members.

Health Security

Additionally, Dr. Abdullah Al Rasasi, Head of Preventive Medicine Department at the Dubai Health Authority, emphasised that DHA is committed to supporting the national campaign aimed at ensuring community health security and bolstering efforts to prevent various diseases, including seasonal influenza.

Dr. Al Rasasi commended the collaborative efforts among health authorities across the nation to meet the campaign’s objectives and highlighted the fundamental role of vaccines in reducing the impact of influenza and its associated complications.

He further noted: “DHA plans to implement a series of programs and activities to support the campaign’s goals of reaching as many people as possible to promote public health as a shared responsibility between health authorities and the community.”