UAE Expands Free Flu Vaccine Priority List to Include School Students
In a strategic move to bolster community immunity, UAE health authorities have officially updated the priority list for the 2026-27 seasonal influenza campaign. Under the Ministry of Health and Prevention’s (MoHAP) latest awareness initiative, school-aged students and individuals performing Hajj and Umrah have been added to the high-risk group, expanding the total number of priority categories from five to seven.
The Expanded High-Risk Categories
While the campaign remains voluntary, health officials are strongly encouraging those in priority groups to participate to prevent the spread of the virus within homes and educational institutions. The full list of priority groups now includes:
- School students
- Hajj and Umrah pilgrims
- Pregnant women
- Infants under six months of age
- The elderly
- Healthcare professionals
- Individuals living with chronic medical conditions
Regional Vaccination Access and Availability
The rollout of the vaccination program varies across the Emirates, with specific provisions made for different populations:
Northern Emirates
In Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, Emirates Health Services (EHS) is taking a proactive approach by offering free vaccinations directly on school campuses. This initiative covers students, teachers, and staff, and is open to everyone regardless of their nationality or residency status. These services extend to private schools and university clinics, with additional availability at 121 EHS health centers.
Abu Dhabi
In the capital, vaccinations are provided free of charge to those holding Thiqa insurance. For those without Thiqa, the vaccine remains free for specific high-risk individuals, including:
- Adults over the age of 50
- Children under 5 and students aged 5 to 18
- People of determination
- Pregnant women and smokers
- Hajj and Umrah pilgrims
- Individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher
- Those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart, liver, or kidney disease
The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre is also supplying free vaccines to private institutions. For children who may be hesitant about needles, nasal spray vaccines are available at certain facilities following a medical assessment.
Dubai
Vaccinations in Dubai are accessible through Dubai Health centers. Currently, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is coordinating with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and insurance providers to facilitate the rollout of vaccinations directly within schools. To accommodate children who are needle-shy, nasal spray options can be obtained via prescription.
Optimal Timing and Respiratory Health Focus
The vaccination campaign is scheduled to run from September 2026 through March 2027. Health experts emphasize that the most effective time to get vaccinated is during September and October, as it requires approximately two weeks for the body to develop full immunity.
Beyond the influenza virus, the campaign is placing increased emphasis on protecting against RSV and pneumonia. Specific measures include:
- Maternal RSV vaccines, which are available starting from the 28th week of pregnancy.
- Monoclonal antibody options for infants to help prevent respiratory complications.
School health guidelines: Parents are advised to keep children at home if they exhibit symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, or body aches. Children should remain home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of medication.