Seasonal influenza can spread easily among children, particularly in schools, nurseries and other settings where children spend time together. For parents in Dubai, questions about seasonal flu vaccination often become especially important as children return to school and influenza begins circulating.
Dubai Health Authority issued a September 2026 awareness circular concerning seasonal influenza vaccination in Dubai. So, should your child receive a flu vaccine? When should parents consider it? And what should you know before arranging vaccination?
Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a viral respiratory infection.
It can cause symptoms such as:
Children may also experience vomiting or diarrhoea with influenza.
The severity can vary from one child to another.
Some children recover without complications, while others may become significantly unwell or develop complications.
Vaccination is one of the important tools used to reduce the risk of influenza and its complications.
Children also spend considerable time in group environments such as schools, nurseries, sports activities and extracurricular programmes.
This can increase opportunities for respiratory viruses to spread.
Vaccination may help reduce the likelihood of influenza illness and can contribute to protecting vulnerable members of the wider community.
Dubai Health Authority’s current public-health messaging includes specific awareness around seasonal influenza vaccination.
The appropriate vaccination plan depends on the child’s age, health history and applicable UAE vaccination recommendations.
Parents should discuss vaccination with a qualified healthcare professional if they are unsure whether their child is due for seasonal influenza vaccination.
This is particularly important for children with certain chronic medical conditions or other factors that may increase the risk of complications.
HealthHub’s Comprehensive Immunization Program provides additional information about preventive vaccination care.
The best timing can depend on the current influenza season, vaccine availability and the child’s individual circumstances.
Parents should avoid relying on a fixed date every year.
Instead, ask your paediatrician or vaccination provider about the current seasonal influenza vaccination recommendations.
This is especially relevant when planning vaccination around school attendance, travel or other activities.
Yes.
No vaccine provides absolute protection against every infection.
However, vaccination is an important preventive measure and may reduce the risk of influenza illness and complications.
Children can also develop respiratory infections caused by viruses other than influenza.
For this reason, good hygiene and sensible infection-control habits remain important even after vaccination.
Children with influenza may develop:
Some children may also have vomiting or diarrhoea.
Symptoms can overlap with other viral infections, so it is not always possible to identify influenza based on symptoms alone.
A cold and influenza can share symptoms, but influenza can sometimes cause a more sudden and pronounced illness.
Children with influenza may experience significant tiredness, fever, cough and body aches.
However, symptoms vary.
If your child is very unwell, has difficulty breathing, is not drinking adequately or is getting worse, seek medical advice rather than trying to determine the virus at home.
Vaccination is only one part of prevention.
Parents can also encourage children to:
Teaching these habits early can help children develop good everyday health practices.
Children with chronic medical conditions may require particular attention during influenza season.
Respiratory infections can sometimes be more problematic for children with certain underlying conditions.
If your child has asthma, chronic lung disease, heart disease, immune problems or another chronic condition, speak with their paediatrician about influenza prevention.
You can also read more about Paediatric Chronic Diseases.
Whether vaccination should proceed depends on the child’s symptoms and overall condition.
A mild illness may not necessarily mean vaccination must be postponed, but children who are significantly unwell should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
If you are unsure, contact your child’s doctor before the appointment.
Influenza vaccination recommendations can vary according to age.
Parents of babies and young children should discuss the appropriate vaccination schedule with their paediatrician.
The doctor can review the child’s age, previous vaccination history and medical circumstances before recommending the appropriate approach.
Routine preventive care is also important during infancy. HealthHub provides Well-Baby Care for monitoring growth, development, feeding, sleep and other aspects of early childhood health.
Vaccines used in healthcare are evaluated for safety and effectiveness.
Like any medical intervention, vaccination can be associated with side effects.
Common reactions may be mild and temporary, such as soreness at the injection site.
Parents should discuss their child’s medical history and any previous vaccine reactions with the healthcare professional before vaccination.
The seasonal influenza vaccine does not cause influenza infection in the way that the flu virus itself does.
A child may still develop another respiratory infection after vaccination because many different viruses circulate among children.
This is one reason why vaccination should be viewed as one component of broader preventive healthcare.
Most children with uncomplicated viral respiratory infections recover with supportive care.
However, seek medical advice if your child:
Urgent assessment is appropriate when a child develops serious breathing difficulty, severe dehydration, altered responsiveness or a rapid deterioration.
A paediatrician can help parents with:
For families looking for a paediatrician in Dubai, HealthHub Clinics provides paediatric services across multiple Dubai locations.
Seasonal influenza prevention is particularly relevant for families as children return to school, nursery and group activities.
Vaccination decisions should be based on current recommendations and the individual child’s health circumstances.
HealthHub Clinics provides paediatric consultations and vaccination-related preventive care to help families make informed decisions.
You can request a new appointment if you would like your child’s vaccination needs or current symptoms assessed.
This article provides general health information and does not replace individual medical advice. Vaccination recommendations can change and should be confirmed with a qualified healthcare professional.
Connect with our experienced doctors at HealthHub Clinics to learn more or call 800 2344. to book your appointment.
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