According to data from Justlife, families in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have begun scheduling flu vaccinations earlier than the planned season. The number of home vaccination appointments in September exceeded the total figure for the same month last year.
The company reported that from October to December 2025, the number of appointments was approximately 2.7 times higher than in the same period in 2024. By the end of October, almost half of all home vaccinations registered last season had been administered, and by the end of December, about nine out of ten had been given.
Dr. Jenna Burton, Medical Director at Justlife, noted that the return of children to school served as a timely reminder for families to consider influenza vaccination. She emphasized that the flu is often confused with a common cold, but it can suddenly begin with symptoms such as exhaustion, body aches, chills, fever, and cough. Understanding the differences and taking early action is especially important for children and people more susceptible to complications.
The figures provided by the company relate exclusively to Justlife's home services and do not reflect overall vaccination rates across the UAE. Doctors advised getting vaccinated in October, before the flu begins to circulate widely.
Dr. Bassem Shamsuddin, a pediatric specialist at Mubadala Health Dubai, stated that October is an appropriate time for vaccination in the UAE, ideally before the widespread spread of the flu virus. He added that immunity develops approximately two weeks after vaccination. Dr. Shamsuddin also noted that vaccination remains beneficial later in the season. He stressed that both children and adults should receive the shot annually because circulating strains change, and immunity weakens over time.
He specified that children receiving the flu vaccine for the first time may require two doses, which must be administered at least four weeks apart, depending on the child's vaccination history. Dr. Mamata Botra, a pediatrician and neonatologist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, also recommended that families get vaccinated during the campaign. The seasonal flu awareness campaign in the UAE runs from September to March, and vaccine effectiveness takes effect in about two weeks.
Children under five, especially those under two, pregnant women, adults over 65, and people with chronic diseases are at high risk of complications. Dr. Shamsuddin pointed out that complications can include pneumonia, exacerbation of existing conditions, and hospitalization.
Dr. Botra also listed groups requiring special attention: children with asthma, people with heart or diabetes, pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Healthcare workers and those living with someone in a high-risk group are at greater risk.
The flu often appears suddenly, accompanied by fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and severe fatigue. A cold usually develops more gradually, with a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and a milder cough. However, symptoms can overlap, and some children with the flu may not have a fever.
Dr. Botra advised parents to seek immediate medical attention if a child exhibits high fever, persistent cough, difficulty breathing, vomiting, severe dehydration, unusual drowsiness, or seizures. She also noted that infants under three months with a temperature of 38°C or higher require urgent medical evaluation.
Dr. Shamsuddin urged parents to monitor for signs of difficulty breathing, bluish lips, severe dehydration, unusual drowsiness, confusion, or seizures. Medical evaluation is also necessary if a child's condition worsens, or if fever or cough improves and then returns.
For some people, there is an option for flu vaccination using a nasal spray, which does not require an injection. Dr. Shamsuddin reported that this method is generally suitable for healthy, non-pregnant individuals aged two to 49, depending on the approved and available vaccine in the UAE. However, he warned that it may be unsuitable for pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, or some children with asthma or a history of wheezing. Parents should consult a healthcare professional about the appropriate vaccine.
Dr. Botra advised people in high-risk groups who develop flu symptoms to contact a doctor as soon as possible. She mentioned that antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir, can shorten the duration of the illness and reduce complications, especially in high-risk patients.
Dr. Shamsuddin added that antivirals are most effective when started within the first 48 hours, but treatment can still help in severe illness or in high-risk individuals. He stressed that such treatment should not be delayed if medically indicated.