Flu vaccine demand and uptake trends rise as schools reopen

Health officials in the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates are addressing seasonal influenza preparedness as schools reopen.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that flu vaccine uptake among primary school children was significantly lower last year, with only 55.5% of the 4.5 million eligible children receiving the vaccine. This figure is below the 60% uptake seen prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The UKHSA is launching school immunisation sessions starting September 7, noting that the vaccine is effective in preventing GP visits and hospitalisations among children.

In the UAE, medical professionals are observing a surge in demand for flu vaccines following the reopening of schools on August 31. Doctors in Dubai and Abu Dhabi report that parents are proactively seeking vaccinations to protect children before the peak infection season. Medical experts note that viral transmission often increases approximately two weeks after students return to classrooms, exacerbated by international travel and close contact in school environments.