Hospitals report growing demand for flu vaccines as doctors encourage residents to get vaccinated ahead of the expected winter peak in influenza cases.
Flu vaccines are available across the UAE for as little as Dh69, while some hospitals are offering free jabs to eligible residents as doctors report growing demand ahead of the winter season.
Prices differ between healthcare providers, with some packages covering the doctor’s consultation and vaccine administration. Although certain health insurance policies include flu vaccination, coverage depends on individual benefits, meaning some residents may need to pay out of pocket.
At Aster Clinic, flu shots are priced at Dh69 for adults and Dh89 for children. Both packages include consultation and administration fees.
Dr Rohit Jacob, specialist in internal medicine at Aster Clinic, Business Bay, said the children’s package also covers the mandatory paediatrician consultation.
“We have noticed an overall increase in demand for flu vaccination in recent weeks,” he said, adding that a year-on-year percentage increase could only be established by comparing vaccination records.
Dr Jacob said demand was particularly noticeable among older adults, especially those with underlying medical conditions.
What do other hospitals charge?
At Medeor Hospital in Dubai, a flu vaccination package is available for Dh99.
Dr Vishnu Chaitanya, specialist in internal medicine at Medeor Hospital, said insurance coverage differs between providers and individual policies.
“Some insurance providers cover influenza vaccination, while others do not. We advise patients to check their individual policy benefits before visiting for vaccination,” he said.
NMC Royal Hospital in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi, offers an alternative influenza vaccine for Dh70, subject to availability.
Dr Titty Mary Thomas, specialist in family medicine at NMC Royal Hospital, said seasonal flu vaccines supplied by the Department of Health are also available free of charge to eligible residents, including those whose insurance does not cover vaccination.
However, consultation and administration fees may be charged separately, depending on the hospital’s billing arrangements.
Does health insurance cover flu vaccination?
Dr Jacob said some mid-tier and premium insurance plans cover flu vaccination, although the benefits depend on the terms of each policy.
At Aster, eligible policies administered through NAS, Neuron and MetLife generally do not require prior approval. Most other insurance providers, however, require approval before the vaccine is administered.
He advised residents to confirm their coverage and eligibility before booking an appointment to avoid unexpected expenses.
Why doctors recommend getting vaccinated now
Doctors said influenza activity generally increases after schools reopen in September and continues through the cooler months.
Dr Chaitanya said flu cases in the UAE typically peak between December and January, making November an important time to get vaccinated.
“November is the ideal time to get vaccinated, as it allows approximately two weeks for the body to develop an adequate immune response before peak winter activity,” he said.
Dr Jacob said many residents still delay vaccination until temperatures begin to fall.
“Do not wait for the first fever to think about prevention. The flu vaccine is preventive, not a treatment for an infection that has already started,” he said.
He added that vaccination could still offer protection later in the season, even to people who had already contracted influenza, as different strains may continue to circulate.
More families seeking protection
Doctors said awareness of flu vaccination is increasing, particularly among families, older residents and people living with chronic health conditions.
Dr Thomas said more parents were enquiring about protecting their children and elderly relatives.
“We are seeing more parents taking an active interest in protecting their children, as well as residents seeking vaccination for their elderly parents and family members,” she said.
Dr Renuka Ramasamy, specialist in family medicine at International Modern Hospital, Dubai, also reported growing interest in annual flu vaccination.
“More patients are asking about the benefits of annual flu vaccination and the importance of protecting vulnerable family members,” she said.
Doctors recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone aged six months and above, unless there is a medical reason to avoid it. Pregnant women, older adults, young children and people with chronic health conditions are among those particularly encouraged to get vaccinated.
Dr Ramasamy also addressed the common misconception that the flu vaccine can cause influenza.
“Injectable flu vaccines cannot cause a flu infection,” she said.
Doctors stressed that although vaccination does not offer complete protection against influenza, it can lower the risk of severe illness, complications and hospitalisation.
