Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, a subsidiary of the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, has started its annual awareness campaign for seasonal influenza. The campaign is part of the ‘Stop the Spread’ program, which is aimed at raising awareness about preventative care and vaccinations as well as the vital role they play in improving community health.
Through the program, the Center aims to inform the community about the importance of identifying affected cases, analyzing the viral pattern of the disease, and the option of influenza vaccination for prevention.
Dr. Farida Al Hosany, Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Sector at Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, emphasized the important awareness role played by the Center through the Stop the Spread program.
The seasonal influenza program is a significant addition to the efforts of the Center in the field of awareness and preventive healthcare. The center is committed to collaborating with strategic partners to reduce potential complications related to infectious diseases by emphasizing the importance of preventive measures, especially as we approach the influenza season.
Dr. Al Hosany shared.
The campaign will help in identifying dominant strains and making appropriate preventative measures available. It will reflect the emirate’s efforts to provide suitable vaccination options for citizens and residents, enhance effective health prevention, and combat infectious diseases.
Everyone aged 6 months and older is eligible to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine for free. The vaccine is highly recommended, especially among high-risk individuals more susceptible to the disease and its complications, such as healthcare workers, children younger than 5 years, and school-aged Children (5–18 years old), pregnant women, adults aged 65 years and older, people with chronic conditions, Hajj and Umra pilgrims, as well as smokers
Currently, the flu vaccination is available at 111 health centers, including 15 pharmacies, aiming to facilitate the patient experience and provide easy access to the best therapeutic and preventative healthcare services.