Flu (Influenza) Vaccine

Book your flu vaccine today

This flu season, protect yourself and those around you by getting your flu vaccination.

The flu virus spreads easily – a cough or sneeze can travel at least 2 meters and infect others around you. It can be up to 4 days before you notice any symptoms of flu, however, you are contagious before this stage and can easily pass it onto others without knowing.

How to book your flu vaccination at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi:

• Call our Call Center on 800 8 2223
• Book via the Patient Portal mobile app or website.

Please remember to bring your Emirates ID and insurance details to your flu shot appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Flu Vaccine

Who should get the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is offered to everyone over the age of 3. The vaccine is a single shot. Children under the age of 9 who haven’t previously had a flu vaccine, should receive 2 doses.

Those most at risk from flu are:

• Adults aged 50 and above
• Children under 5 years
• Close contacts of influenza positive cases
• Hajj and Umrah pilgrims
• Healthcare workers
• Immunocompromised patients
• Pregnant women
• School-aged children (5 - 18 years)
• Smokers
• Those living with health conditions including:
• Asplenia (including elective splenectomy and persistent complement component deficiencies)
• Chronic alcoholism
• Chronic cardiovascular disease (excluding hypertension)
• Chronic liver disease
• Chronic lung disease (including asthma)
• Diabetes
• Kidney failure, end stage renal disease, and recipients of hemodialysis
• Extreme obesity (BMI of 40 or more)

Should I have the flu vaccine every year?

Yes. Because the strains of the virus that cause flu change regularly, you should get a flu vaccination annually. New vaccines are developed every year which to protect against the flu strains predicted to cause the worst illnesses.

Having an annual flu shot boosts immunity against these strains, helping to avoid serious, long-lasting illness. Having a flu shot can also help to prevent serious complications from flu, like pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus or ear infections.

When should I receive the flu vaccine?

The number of people getting flu increases in the winter months. To protect yourself as much as possible, have the flu vaccine in early autumn. This means the flu shot will protect you for at least 6 months – enough to last the flu season.

Concerned about having the flu vaccine?

Read our helpful blog, Your Flu Vaccine Questions Answered, to find out why getting your flu shot is so important.

Protecting our community, together.