Dubai: The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) called on community members — especially those who are at a higher risk of developing influenza complications — to get vaccinated.

The DHA launched a seasonal influenza campaign last Wednesday, which aims to raise awareness among the community about the importance of vaccination — especially amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Hend Al Awadhi, Head of the Health Promotion and Education Section at the DHA’s Public Health Protection Department, stressed the importance of getting vaccinated as it is the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications. She said that this is especially true for higher risk groups that include elders above the age of 65, children below five years, pregnant women and people of determination as they are more likely to develop influenza complications.

To encourage Dubai residents who are from the higher risk group to get vaccinated, the DHA is offering free vaccination for all elders aged 65 and above, children below five-years-old, pregnant women and people of determination, across its primary health care centres and medical fitness centres. Emiratis can also get vaccinated for free and the vaccination charge for all Dubai residents who are not from the high risk group is Dh50.

“Seasonal influenza, which is commonly known as the flu, is an acute viral infection that spreads easily from person to person. Therefore, in addition to getting vaccinated, the best way to prevent it is to avoid close contact with sick people, cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your eyes or mouth,” Dr Al Awadhi said.