MoHAP launches annual influenza awareness campaign

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) launched its annual national seasonal influenza awareness campaign under the theme, 'Immunise Yourself, Protect Your Community,' on Monday. 

Running until March 2025, the campaign aims to enhance prevention methods, reduce disease complications, encourage vaccinations among community members, and improve the proficiency of health workers by training them in the latest international protocols for the control of seasonal diseases. 

Targeting a wide range of community members, the campaign prioritises pregnant women, individuals aged 50 and above, those with chronic diseases, children under five, and healthcare workers.

Assistant Under-Secretary for the Public Health Sector at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, emphasised that the national seasonal influenza awareness campaign is part of the implementation plan of the National Policy on Vaccinations, which provides a national framework to combat communicable diseases, including seasonal influenza.

He stated, “Through this campaign, we look forward to improving the health system's response to respiratory diseases and strengthening surveillance mechanisms by integrating the efforts of health authorities and leveraging the national health system to improve vaccination coverage outcomes through our network of health facilities.”

He emphasised that the National Immunisation Programme is the most comprehensive preventive measure, enhancing community immunity against targeted infectious diseases through vaccination. It features vaccine campaigns at health centres, government agencies, and mobile units, facilitating access to vaccinations and bolstering disease prevention and management awareness.

Acting Executive Director of the Communicable Diseases Sector at Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, Dr. Faisal Al Ahbabi, said, "We strongly recommend that everyone six months of age and older, especially those in vulnerable groups such as seniors, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses, receive the annual influenza vaccine."