Abu Dhabi private schools offer free flu jab for pupils, parents and teachers

Health experts say getting vaccinated against the flu has never been more important

The National's Nick Webster receives a flu jab from nurse Resy Hussain at Prime Hospital in Dubai. Medics urged the public to get vaccinated this winter, which may help to prevent confusion between flu and Covid-19 symptoms. Pawan Singh / The National

The vaccine costs patients between Dh25 and Dh70 in most UAE clinics and hospitals. Pawan Singh / The National

Dr Adel Mohamed Yasin Alsisi, a consultant in critical care at Prime Hospital, said elderly, children and those with underlying medical conditions should take the flu vaccine this winter. Pawan Singh / The National

Nurse Resy Hussain gives the flu shot to patient Flora Mae. Pawan Singh / The National

The vaccine does not give any protection against Covid-19, but could ease the burden on doctors this winter. Victor Besa / The National

Free flu vaccinations are on offer to parents, pupils and teachers at private schools in Abu Dhabi this year.

The Department of Education and Knowledge, the emirate's private school regulator, is encouraging all pupils to be vaccinated as hospitals brace for flu season during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"As society works to contain the spread of Covid-19, it is imperative that all students remain as healthy as possible this season," Adek said on Twitter.

"To ensure seasonal flu cases do not impact the student community or disrupt school operations, we are encouraging all parents, students and staff to visit their nearest Seha Primary Healthcare Centre for a complimentary flu shot."

Doctors across the Emirates have advised the public to be vaccinated against the flu, saying that receiving the shot has never been more important due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Experts have warned that neglecting to take the flu shot could have serious health repercussions.

Most people affected by the flu recover within few day but some can develop serious health issues, including infections in the lungs, ears and sinuses.

This month, UAE officials said battling influenza season during the Covid-19 pandemic would put pressure on the country's healthcare facilities but that individuals could help by getting vaccinated for the flu.

Dr Omar Al Hammadi, spokesman for the UAE's Covid-19 briefings, said most healthy patients could recover from the flu but it is particularly dangerous for the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions.

"Protecting yourself against the flu requires the same steps as protecting yourself from Covid-19: social distancing, wearing a face mask and avoiding touching surfaces and then touching your face," he said.

It takes about two weeks for the body to develop antibodies to protect against the flu.

Dr Al Hammadi said the flu vaccine would not protect a person from Covid-19 but would help boost immunity should someone contract both viruses.

Anyone aged six months and above can receive a flu vaccine.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that flu caused between 9.3 million and 45m illnesses every year in the United States since 2010.