Dubai flu shot 2026: Where to get vaccinated, how to book and what it costs

Dubai: Have you taken your flu shot yet? If not, it’s time to roll up your sleeve. Just this week, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) launched its 2026-2027 awareness campaign on influenza and seasonal respiratory diseases under the theme "Protect Yourself... Protect Your Community.” Flu season is about to start, and you can take protective measures, thanks to convenient facilities offered by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Here’s everything you need to know about the flu shot, how it helps, and where to get yours in Dubai. What is influenza (flu)? Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that affect the nose, throat and lungs. Every flu season is different, according to the US-based Centre for Disease Control (CDC), and the flu affects people differently. Complications from flu can be particularly serious for young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions. Why should I get a flu shot? Dr Rohit Jacob, Specialist Internal Medicine at Aster Clinic, Business Bay, said it’s generally recommended for everyone to take the seasonal flu vaccine, as it serves as a preventive step that reduces the chance of acquiring the flu. It also helps reduce the risk of complications, such as pneumonia, worsening asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination, according to the CDC – these antibodies provide protection against illnesses. Dr Rohit Jacob, Specialist Internal Medicine at Aster Clinic, Business Bay. Picture credit: Supplied Dr Jacob said: “The flu vaccine is updated each year to target the influenza strains expected to circulate that season. It may not prevent every infection, but it significantly lowers the likelihood of getting flu, and can make illness less severe if infection does occur. It also reduces transmission within households, workplaces and schools, thus helping protect those who are more vulnerable.” The flu shot needs to be taken every year because flu strains change, and “last year’s protection does not automatically mean a lifetime subscription,” added Dr Jacob. Who is eligible to receive a flu shot? In the UAE, the flu vaccine is recommended annually by MOHAP for everyone aged six months and above, provided they do not have a medical contraindication. The vaccine is especially important for the following categories of residents: Children aged six months to five years Adults aged 65 years and above Pregnant women People living with diabetes, asthma, chronic lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease or with weakened immunity Healthcare workers Anyone living with, or regularly caring for, high-risk family members If you are a parent of a child younger than six months, it’s worth noting that infants in this age group are too young for the vaccine. Dr Jacob advised parents, siblings and caregivers to ensure they are vaccinated, so that vulnerable infants in their households are, in turn, protected. When is the ideal time to get a flu shot? For most people, September and October are the best times to be vaccinated against influenza, according to the CDC. The same is true for UAE residents. Dr Jacob said: “The reason is that it takes around two weeks after the vaccination for the body to develop its protective immune response, so receiving it early provides protection before flu activity increases during the autumn and winter months. However, it is still worthwhile later in the season. If someone misses September or October, they should not wait until the following year. Vaccination can continue while influenza viruses are circulating.” How can I book a flu shot? You can make an appointment for a flu shot through the DHA’s website or app, and complete the appointment at a primary health care centre. Alternatively, you can opt for walk-in services at Smart Salem, which is a DHA-authorised centre. Book an appointment via DHA Follow these steps to make an appointment to get your flu shot at a DHA primary health care centre: Visit DHA’s website at dha.gov.ae or download the DHA app from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Sign in with your UAE PASS. Navigate to ‘Book Appointments’ and select ‘Flu vaccination appointment’. Select the location of a preferred health care centre, as well as the time and date you would like to schedule your appointment. You can see a list of health care locations here: dubaihealth.ae/service/vaccination-services Confirm the booking. On the appointment date, you can pay for your flu shot at your selected health care centre, and complete the process. Fee : Dh50 plus VAT Book via Smart Salem for walk-in services Follow these steps to make an appointment to get your flu shot at a Smart Salem centre: Visit Smart Salem’s website at smartsalem.ae. Navigate to ‘Services’, select ‘Vaccinations’ and then ‘Flu Vaccinations’. You can pay for your flu shot and book online, by selecting ‘Add to Booking’. Enter y