Over 24K Dubai govt staff to get flu shots
dubai — More than 24,000 employees of 26 government entities in Dubai will be provided seasonal flu shots under an influenza roadshow launched by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
The roadshow aims to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and encourage more members of the community to get vaccinated, said Dr Hend Al Awadhi, head of health promotion and education section at the public health protection department, DHA.
“We plan to target most government entities in Dubai. So far, we have scheduled 26 entities and are targeting to vaccinate 24,113 employees,” said Dr Al Awadhi.
The vaccination fee is Dh50 for expatriates and free of charge for Emirati nationals and residents from high-risk groups — people who are 65 and above, children below five-year-old, pregnant women and people of determination.
Shot significance
Dr Al Awadhi stressed the importance of getting vaccinated as it is the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications for people of any age.
“Seasonal influenza, commonly known as 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.”
Al Awadhi added that getting a seasonal flu shot is also safe for pregnant women. “It has many benefits, including preventing influenza and pregnancy complications, decreasing pregnant woman’s risk of being hospitalised by an average of 40 per cent and preventing potential problems that affect the health of the foetus,” he said.
Services at DHA facilities
The authority is offering vaccinations on appointment basis in three DHA Medical Fitness Centres and a number of DHA Primary Healthcare Centres. Residents can book an appointment for influenza vaccination through the DHA app.
Cap on cost
The DHA had issued a circular in October regarding the cost of flu vaccination at private health facilities. It set the fee of the seasonal influenza shot in private health facilities in Dubai at a maximum of Dh100, inclusive of the related services.