UAE expands respiratory disease campaign to include RSV

Health authorities in the United Arab Emirates have launched an expanded awareness campaign for the 2026–2027 season, broadening its scope from influenza to include seasonal respiratory diseases such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) is urging high-risk groups, specifically pregnant women and older adults, to seek RSV vaccination to prevent complications like pneumonia and bronchiolitis. The initiative aims to integrate immunization, healthy behaviors, and accurate information into a unified framework for respiratory disease prevention.

In Dubai, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has issued updated clinical guidelines directing healthcare providers to verify vaccination status during every clinical visit. Priority groups for influenza vaccination include individuals with chronic cardiac, pulmonary, renal, liver, or neurodevelopmental diseases, pregnant women, adults aged 65 and older, children aged six months to 59 months, and healthcare workers. The guidelines also highlight pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah as a priority group due to mass-gathering risks. Additionally, residents living with or caring for immunocompromised individuals or infants under six months are advised to get vaccinated.