More local pharmacies will soon be allowed to administer flu vaccines, UAE health officials said on Monday.
Some in Abu Dhabi are already providing the service, and pharmacies in Dubai will be rolling it out as soon as October.
As the Ministry of Health and Prevention officially launched its seasonal influenza campaign, it also announced free vaccines will be offered to health workers and vulnerable groups.
Health officials had previously advised that a gap of two weeks be left after any Covid-19 booster shot, but Monday's launch clarified that this is no longer the case.
Meanwhile, doctors in the private sector said they were alarmed at the complacency towards flu vaccines among the vulnerable, particularly pregnant women.
The campaign, themed "Protect yourself ... protect your community", launched on September 26 in co-operation with Abu Dhabi Centre for Public Health, Dubai Health Authority and Department of Health Abu Dhabi.
The seasonal flu campaign is in line with the UAE’s strategy to provide comprehensive health coverage and protect members of society against infectious diseases, and will run until December.
Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, assistant undersecretary for the public health sector at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, said pharmacies could be more convenient for those wanting to take the flu jab.
“If people cannot make it to their primary healthcare provider, such as a hospital, then they can visit a pharmacy, as long as it complies with a special set of regulations from the health authority, such as adequate infection control measures,” he said.
“This will happen soon, probably by the end of the month. Each pharmacy must apply to offer this service in advance.
“In Abu Dhabi this has already started and we will see this happening in Dubai and across the Northern Emirates very soon.
“We expect this to be in operation by the start of October.
“Per the latest international studies and guidelines we also now know it is safe to take a Covid vaccine on the same day as a flu vaccine.”
Special training for health workers
The campaign aims to enhance community awareness on the importance of having a seasonal flu vaccine and increase awareness among health workers.
Training is being given to them on the best international practices to prevent complications from the influenza virus, providing flu vaccines and increasing vaccine coverage rates.
It will focus more on the most vulnerable groups that might experience influenza complications, including the elderly, pregnant women and those with chronic diseases.
“Free flu vaccines will be available for those who are more at risk of developing complications, such as those with chronic disease like diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease,” said Dr Hind Al-Awadhi, director of health promotion and education at Dubai Health Authority.
“It will also apply to pregnant women, those aged 65 and above and healthcare providers according to their health insurance guidelines.”
Protecting children from the flu
Children aged six months to five years old are one of the categories that should be vaccinated in the vulnerable group.
“Because of the Covid vaccine last year, people were more reluctant to come forward to take the flu vaccine, so we increased the awareness and education as a result,” Dr Al-Awadhi said.
“We ended up with a good influenza coverage rate last year [in Dubai] and we expect to see that improved even further this year.
“Taking both vaccines on the same day [Covid and influenza] will also make it more convenient for people who may still need to take a Covid booster.
“All the studies say it is safe to take both vaccines simultaneously.”
Residents are advised to contact their doctor to discuss whether a Covid booster is necessary for them.
When flu becomes something else
Complications arising from a flu infection in the unvaccinated can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and a worsening of existing chronic health conditions such as heart problems, asthma or diabetes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint aches, fatigue and a sore throat with runny nose.
Primary care centres and private clinics across the country will offer the flu vaccine under some general health insurance plans, or for a fee of about Dh75.
“Delivering vaccines from pharmacies was something we first saw at the end of the Covid vaccine campaign, it is an extension of that,” said Dr Fadi Baladi, medical director at hospital group Burjeel.
“This is already done in Canada and the US because it gives easier access for the public.
“The issue is not availability, rather complacency ― it seems people have forgotten that flu still exists.
“We have seen the flu rate reduce in recent years because of the infection control measures introduced during Covid, but it is creeping back in.
“We could see from PCR tests that there was a lot more Covid than flu last season.
Dr Baladi is bracing for a resurgence in flu patients, and says pregnant women should protect themselves and their child from catching the virus.
“There is a certain psychological factor, some people are tired of taking vaccines.
“We still tell all our patients to wear a mask if they have any flu-like symptoms to reduce infection.”
BABYLON
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BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
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The years Ramadan fell in May
RESULTS
5pm Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner AF Nashrah, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
5.30pm Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Mutaqadim, Riccardo Iacopini, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami.
6pm Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Hameem, Jose Santiago, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
6.30pm Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner AF Almomayaz, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
7pm Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Dalil Al Carrere, Fernando Jara, Mohamed Daggash.
7.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh70,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner Lahmoom, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
8pm Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner Jayide Al Boraq, Bernardo Pinheiro, Khalifa Al Neyadi.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Results:
2.15pm: Handicap (PA) Dh60,000 1,200m.
Winner: AZ Dhabyan, Adam McLean (jockey), Saleha Al Ghurair (trainer).
2.45pm: Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 1,200m.
Winner: Ashton Tourettes, Sam Hitchcott, Ibrahim Aseel.
3.15pm: Conditions (PA) Dh60,000 2,000m.
Winner: Hareer Al Reef, Gerald Avranche, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
3.45pm: Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 1,700m.
Winner: Kenz Al Reef, Gerald Avranche, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
4.15pm: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup (TB) Dh 200,000 1,700m.
Winner: Mystique Moon, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson.
4.45pm: The Crown Prince Of Sharjah Cup Prestige (PA) Dh200,000 1,200m.
Winner: ES Ajeeb, Sam Hitchcott, Ibrahim Aseel.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
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Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The five pillars of Islam
The years Ramadan fell in May
Dubai works towards better air quality by 2021
Dubai is on a mission to record good air quality for 90 per cent of the year – up from 86 per cent annually today – by 2021.
The municipality plans to have seven mobile air-monitoring stations by 2020 to capture more accurate data in hourly and daily trends of pollution.
These will be on the Palm Jumeirah, Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Rashidiyah, Al Wasl, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park.
“It will allow real-time responding for emergency cases,” said Khaldoon Al Daraji, first environment safety officer at the municipality.
“We’re in a good position except for the cases that are out of our hands, such as sandstorms.
“Sandstorms are our main concern because the UAE is just a receiver.
“The hotspots are Iran, Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq, but we’re working hard with the region to reduce the cycle of sandstorm generation.”
Mr Al Daraji said monitoring as it stood covered 47 per cent of Dubai.
There are 12 fixed stations in the emirate, but Dubai also receives information from monitors belonging to other entities.
“There are 25 stations in total,” Mr Al Daraji said.
“We added new technology and equipment used for the first time for the detection of heavy metals.
“A hundred parameters can be detected but we want to expand it to make sure that the data captured can allow a baseline study in some areas to ensure they are well positioned.”
More on animal trafficking
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 247hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 370Nm from 1,500-3,500rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 7.8L/100km
Price: from Dh94,900
On sale: now
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Tips for job-seekers
- Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
- Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.
David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
More on Quran memorisation:
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
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More on animal trafficking
Defined benefit and defined contribution schemes explained
Defined Benefit Plan (DB)
A defined benefit plan is where the benefit is defined by a formula, typically length of service to and salary at date of leaving.
Defined Contribution Plan (DC)
A defined contribution plan is where the benefit depends on the amount of money put into the plan for an employee, and how much investment return is earned on those contributions.
The specs: 2018 GMC Terrain
Price, base / as tested: Dh94,600 / Dh159,700
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Power: 252hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 353Nm @ 2,500rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.4L / 100km
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
What is blockchain?
Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.
The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.
Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.
However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.
Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.
Cricket World Cup League Two
Oman, UAE, Namibia
Al Amerat, Muscat
Results
Oman beat UAE by five wickets
UAE beat Namibia by eight runs
Fixtures
Wednesday January 8 –Oman v Namibia
Thursday January 9 – Oman v UAE
Saturday January 11 – UAE v Namibia
Sunday January 12 – Oman v Namibia
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
