The flu season in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) often causes concern among parents regarding children contracting the flu at school and subsequently spreading the virus at home. In the 2026-27 season, students are included in priority groups for receiving free influenza vaccination in the UAE, although access to this service varies depending on the emirate.
While campaigns are being conducted in schools in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, parents in Dubai may need to explore other options. In Abu Dhabi, children aged five to eighteen years old are entitled to free vaccination.
In Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, eligible children can receive the seasonal influenza vaccination free of charge through school health services supported by the Emirates Health Services (EHS). Parents are advised to check with their schools regarding vaccination dates, eligibility criteria, and consent forms.
At the Ambassador School in Sharjah, according to Director Aroghi Reddy, the vaccination campaign will cover both students and teachers. The school has received confirmation from the relevant health authority. Furthermore, the school is organizing vaccination opportunities for absent children, providing families with an additional chance.
Reddy noted that a similar initiative was conducted at their school last year, calling it a 'superb government initiative.' Indian School Sharjah has also notified families about the vaccination schedule. Director Pramod Mahajan stated that the school organizes events in phases to accommodate different age groups. He emphasized that parental consent is required before administering the vaccine, as schools must consider family decisions, some of which are affirmative and others are negative.
In Abu Dhabi, children aged five to eighteen are part of the priority groups eligible for free influenza vaccination in the 2026-27 season. Parents should contact their child's school or healthcare provider to find out if vaccination is organized on campus or needs to be obtained at a designated facility.
Dubai has a different approach this academic year: there is no free school-based influenza vaccination program for private school students. However, parents can consult healthcare providers. Coverage depends on insurance, eligibility, and provider policy. Families are also advised to check with the school nurse or at a clinic for vaccination initiatives.
Dr. Mirrah Aga-Kandil, Group Medical Director at GEMS Education, explained that the group's approach to seasonal flu prevention includes vaccination, as well as health awareness campaigns and practical measures to reduce virus transmission. Her medical teams actively promote seasonal flu awareness through targeted campaigns, emphasizing the importance of vaccination, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and responsible health practices, including urging students and staff to stay home when unwell.
She added that GEMS also facilitates access to flu vaccines through partnerships and discount programs for families, giving members of its wider school community the opportunity to get vaccinated through participating medical facilities. 'Our approach goes beyond just vaccination, focusing on fostering a culture of prevention and overall responsibility among students, parents, and staff,' she stated.
Seasonal influenza vaccination is not mandatory for students in the UAE; parents decide whether their child will be vaccinated, taking into account medical advice and individual circumstances. The national UAE campaign to raise awareness about seasonal flu runs from September 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) recommends annual influenza vaccination in September or October.
Nevertheless, families who have not yet arranged vaccination can discuss its availability and suitability with their doctor during the campaign period. Dr. Praveen Srikantalal, a pediatric consultant at NMC Specialty Hospital in Abu Dhabi, warned parents not to mistake the flu for a common cold. He noted that while most children recover completely, some may develop serious complications requiring hospitalization, and even healthy children can contract pneumonia and dehydration.
Students are particularly susceptible to respiratory infections due to close contact with classmates. They can also carry the virus home to younger siblings, infants, and elderly relatives, making prevention important not only in the classroom. Srikantalal recommended annual influenza vaccination for children aged six months and older, with particular urgency for those with co-existing conditions such as asthma, chronic lung diseases, heart disease, kidney disease, or weakened immunity. He also stressed that immunity typically develops about two weeks after vaccination.
Parents should consult a doctor regarding the appropriate vaccine and timing of administration, especially if the child has an existing condition or has never been vaccinated against the flu before. For children apprehensive about injections, parents can ask the healthcare provider if a nasal spray is suitable for them. This option is available at certain medical facilities in the UAE but is not suitable for every child. There are two main types of vaccines: inactivated injectable vaccines and nasal sprays. The nasal vaccine is suitable for eligible healthy children aged two years and older but is contraindicated in immunocompromised children and children aged two to four with asthma or recent coughs. Older children with asthma should consult their doctor.
