Medical experts stress timely vaccination across priority groups while health insurance frameworks expand coverage ahead of winter peak
National Drive to Accelerate Seasonal Flu Protection
Across the United Arab Emirates healthcare professionals are stepping up seasonal flu vaccinations. Health professionals are urging people to get vaccinated as soon as possible to reduce flu spread within the community, keeping people out of work less and reducing serious respiratory illnesses.
Flu tends to increase between October and February so getting vaccinated early will allow your body time to create the best defence against it. Two weeks is needed for your body to create antibodies. Across both the public and private sectors in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates there are easy ways to get vaccinated.
Prices start from as little as Dh69 across some of the largest private clinics. Government health centres offer free vaccinations for certain high priority groups.
Clinic Package Tiers and Out-of-Pocket Cost Structure
Depending on the location and provider you choose, the cost of seasonal vaccinations will be as follows:
- Government Health Centres (DHA / EHS): Vaccinations are charged a flat fee of approximately Dh50 + VAT. However, premium levels may have full exemptions for UAE Nationals, children under 5 years of age, pregnant women, those aged 65+ and those registered under People of Determination.
- Private Clinics (Aster, Prime, HMS): Vaccination packages vary between Dh49-Dh89 depending on the clinic. Often there is no charge for the General Practitioner if you are being vaccinated only.
- Hospitals & Home (Mediclinic, Emirates Hospitals Group): Vaccination packages can be quite high, ranging between Dh99-140. DHA approved nurses can also come to your home. These packages include vital signs and monitoring.
Choosing a pay-as-you-go package can eliminate any admin paperwork and is an inexpensive option to pay for your vaccinations at the community clinics.
Understanding Health Insurance Coverage and Reimbursement Terms
There are various levels of cover available in the UAE:
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Employer Mandatory: Seasonal Flu is included in basic health plans within the DoH in Abu Dhabi. It covers employees who are enrolled into the schemes as well as those who are in a high risk group.
Private High Level: Preventative vaccinations are included in most high-level private insurances. They tend to have 10-20% excess.
Pre-Approved: Some insurers require the vaccination to be pre-approved through the network or in-network clinics. Please check your policy to see if you require an official referral from your doctor.
By checking the online portal you will avoid any unexpected costs from the clinic.
Priority Groups and Recommendations
Medical professionals in the UAE strongly recommend that you get your flu jabs. Doctors recommend that those in most risk groups will benefit from the vaccination. This includes:
Children under 5 years old: Children aged between 6 months and 5 years old are considered high risk. If under 9 years old they will need a second dose of the vaccine 4 weeks after their first.
Pregnant Mothers: Mothers who are expecting should have the vaccine whilst pregnant to help protect their babies with antibodies. This will cover their baby for the first 6 months of their life.
Seniors and Chronic Conditions: Those aged 65 years and older and those with Asthma, Diabetes, Heart Conditions and Kidney Conditions will be given priority.
Those who are healthy and work in companies will also have the vaccine. This will help reduce the spread of infection in communities to help protect the vulnerable.
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