Abu Dhabi.. Vaccinating more than 350,000 people as part of the annual seasonal influenza vaccination campaign

The Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, in cooperation with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, has achieved great progress within the annual seasonal influenza vaccination campaign for the year 2025-2026, as the number of people vaccinated has exceeded 350,000 people since the launch of the campaign, in the highest turnout rate the emirate has witnessed in recent seasons.

The campaign, which extends from September 2025 until March 2026, is part of Abu Dhabi’s preventive approach that aims to reduce infection rates, protect groups most at risk, and enhance community immunity during the influenza season.

Vaccination rates have witnessed a significant increase in recent years, rising from 162,761 vaccinations in the 2022-2023 season to more than 350,000 vaccinations this season, an increase of more than 115%.

To ensure easy access to the vaccine, the campaign covers a wide network of sites that include councils, commercial centers, workplaces, labor cities, government agencies, embassies, and cultural centers, with weekly events organized in commercial centers within Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, and daily tours in community councils.

The campaign focused on groups most at risk of complications, such as senior citizens, residents, pregnant women, children, people with chronic diseases, and front-line workers.

In the context of enhancing the individual’s responsibility for prevention, the annual campaign focuses on the importance of personal preventive measures to limit the spread of the virus, such as washing hands regularly, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, avoiding contact with infected people, and staying at home when feeling symptoms. Health evidence indicates that the combination of vaccination and adherence to healthy daily habits constitutes an effective defense that protects the individual, his family, and society.

Health follow-up data since the beginning of the season show that most hospitalizations due to influenza complications were recorded among the unvaccinated, especially among senior citizens, residents, patients with chronic diseases, and children, which is in line with global evidence that confirms the pivotal role of annual vaccination in reducing the severity of the disease and its complications.

Dr. Rashid Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, said: “Exceeding 350,000 vaccinations this season represents clear evidence of society’s awareness and commitment to prevention approaches. Through the annual campaign, we work to provide the vaccine in all locations, from workplaces to commercial centers, councils, and community events, with the aim of protecting the population, reducing complications, and enhancing our health readiness. We call on all members of society to take the initiative to get vaccinated to protect themselves and those around them.”

Seasonal influenza remains one of the most widespread viral diseases globally, while annual vaccination is the most effective means of reducing infection and complications and reducing the need for hospitalization. Abu Dhabi continues to provide updated vaccines that are compatible with international health recommendations.

The Abu Dhabi Public Health Center calls on community members to obtain the seasonal influenza vaccine through accredited primary health care facilities or through community vaccination points affiliated with the annual campaign spread throughout the emirate.