Residents in Abu Dhabi will not have to plan a trip to a hospital or clinic to get their dose of seasonal influenza vaccine. The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has now authorised select pharmacies in the UAE capital to administer these vaccines.
By allowing the pharmacies to administer the vaccine, the regulator of Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector is continuing its efforts to increase the accessibility to preventive healthcare services, in order to maintain the health and safety of all community members and avoid the spread of the virus.
These pharmacies include Al Manara Pharmacy at Yas Mall, Al Thiqa Al Almyiah, Al Thiqa Al Dowaliah and different branches of Al Ain Pharmacy.
The DoH is encouraging all residents to get the vaccines, as it is one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza, which becomes more contagious during the winter season. DoH is also working with the pharmacies to ensure the availability of vaccines in all neighbourhoods.
All individuals over the age of 18 are eligible for the influenza vaccine, which is free for Thiqa health insurance holders, healthcare professionals at high risk of infection, pregnant women, as well as elderly people over the age of 50 years old, and Haj and Umrah pilgrims.
Hind Mubarak Al Zaabi, Executive Director of the Healthcare Facilities Sector, DoH, said: “At the Department of Health, our motto has always been that prevention is better than cure. DoH is committed to equipping the healthcare sector with all the means to provide individuals with a seamless and convenient healthcare experience in the emirate.”
Dr Farida Al Hosani, Executive Director of the Infectious Disease Sector, stated: “In partnership with strategic partners, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre is taking proactive measures to reduce the spread of influenza infections by implementing awareness and educational campaigns among the public and health workers about the disease and the importance of vaccination.
“The centre also has an electronic system to track influenza cases in the community. DOH adaptation of group of pharmacies to provide influenza vaccination service will help a wider range of people to get the vaccine.”
As part of its efforts to combat the spread of Covid-19, DoH began to administer vaccines and offer PCR testing at pharmacies in July 2021 to ensure widespread availability and accessibility of healthcare solutions.
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