Free Flu Vaccine Now Available in the Emirates!

Residents will now be vaccinated against influenza through the primary health care centers and medical fitness centers of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). For Emiratis and residents aged 65 and above; children under the age of five; pregnant women; and citizens with commitment, the influenza vaccine is eligible.

For all those expats, the jab is sold at Dh50. This year, as the DHA unveiled its seasonal influenza awareness campaign, it emphasized the significance of having the shot in the wake of the pandemic of Covid-19. Doctors and specialists have clarified that while the flu vaccine would not shield one from the coronavirus, it will increase the immunity of a person against viruses that will damage the lungs and make him susceptible against Covid-19.

From Sunday to Thursday, 7 am to 7.30pm, three DHA medical fitness centers in Jumeirah Lake Buildings, Uptown Mirdif and City Walk (Smart Salem Centre) are open for walk-ins. Prior scheduling is required for other primary healthcare facilities, and residents can call 800DHA (800342) to set up an appointment.

These centres, which are available from Sunday to Thursday from 7.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m., include Al Badaa, Al Lusaily, Al Mankhool, Al Safa, Nad Al Sheba, Zabeel, Mizhar and Twar. Also available from 7.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. is the Al Mamzar Health Centre, which caters exclusively to women, while Al Barsha and Nad Al Hamr 24/7 centres can provide vaccine facilities between 7.30 a.m. and 9.30 p.m. Dr Farida Al Khaja, CEO of the Clinical Support Services and Nursing Sector of DHA, called on members of the community to get vaccinated, especially those at higher risk of developing complications of influenza.