In an attempt to help doctors differentiate between cases of seasonal flu and Covid-19, Abu Dhabi has moved to push for flu vaccine in a renewed plan. On Monday officials said that emirate’s every publicly-run health facility will offer the flu vaccination. Also, some drive-through centers that were originally set up to screen Covid-19 will offer the jab.

Public hospital operator SEHA told that it is increasing home flu vaccination services accessibility in Abu Dhabi city and Al Ain, for people with pre-existing conditions and disabilities.

The officials said that shot would be free for any resident visiting a government-run hospital. Private clinics and hospitals will charge Dh25 to Dh50 per flu shot.

“Both Covid-19 and influenza viruses exhibit similar symptoms, underlining the importance of getting immunized this year to stay protected and alleviate the pressure on healthcare sector,” said Dr Noura Al Ghaithi, Chief Operations Officer at SEHA. “When more people get vaccinated, healthcare professionals will be able to dedicate their efforts to manage the demands placed by Covid-19 and other critical medical conditions.”

Workers in the Mussaffah industrial area will receive vaccination after their next Covid test. SEHA also said it plans to vaccinate all of its 17,000 employees against seasonal flu.

Centres currently offering the seasonal influenza vaccine in Abu Dhabi are:

• Al Bateen Healthcare Centre
• Al Madina Occupational Health Centre
• Mushrif Children’s Specialty Centre
• Al Zafarana Diagnostic and Screening Centre

Vaccine is available at these centres within Abu Dhabi’s central region:

• Al Maqta Healthcare centre
• Madinat Khalifa Healthcare centre
• Madinat Mohammed Bin Zayed Healthcare centre
• Al Bahia Healthcare centre
• Al Falah Healthcare centre
• Al Samha Healthcare centre
• Baniyas Healthcare centre

Other centres where the vaccine will be available:

• Al Khatim Healthcare centre
• Al Faqaa Healthcare centre
• Al Hayer Healthcare centre Al-Hili Healthcare centre
• Al Jahili Healthcare centre
• Al Khazna Healthcare centre
• Al Muwaiji Healthcare centre
• Al Quaa Healthcare centre
• Al Shwaib Healthcare centre
• Al Yahar Healthcare centre
• Mezyad Healthcare centre
• Neima Healthcare centre
• Remah Healthcare centre
• Sweihan Healthcare centre
• Zakher Healthcare centre
• Al Towayya Children’s Specialty centre
• Oud Al Touba Diagnostic and Screening centre