Why are UAE families booking flu vaccines early, and who should get vaccinated first?

UAE families are booking flu vaccinations earlier this season, with Justlife reporting that September bookings for at-home flu vaccines exceeded the total for the same month last year. Bookings between October and December 2025 were around 2.7 times higher than during the same period in 2024. Doctors recommend vaccination in October, before influenza spreads widely, as protection takes approximately two weeks to develop. The UAE’s seasonal influenza awareness campaign runs from September to March. Children under five, pregnant women, adults aged 65 and above, and people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems face a higher risk of complications. Doctors advise annual vaccination because circulating flu strains change and immunity declines over time. Parents should seek urgent medical attention if children experience breathing difficulties, severe dehydration, unusual drowsiness or seizures. Doctors also recommend consulting a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable vaccine, particularly for children and other high-risk individuals.