The United Arab Emirates is preparing to offer a flu vaccine in the form of a nasal spray for the first time, marking a new approach to seasonal influenza prevention, reports Emarat Al Youm.
UAE Set to Launch Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine for the First Time: Emarat Al Youm
For the very first time, residents and citizens in the United Arab Emirates will have access to a flu vaccine delivered through a nasal spray, marking a significant development in the country’s public health initiatives. According to a report by Emarat Al Youm, which cited information from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, this innovative vaccination method will be available at selected public and private healthcare facilities as well as hospitals across the nation. This represents a new, non-invasive alternative to traditional injectable flu vaccines, making it easier for a wider range of people to receive protection against seasonal influenza.
The introduction of the nasal spray option comes as part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to enhance vaccination strategies and ensure that immunization remains accessible, safe, and effective for all segments of the population. By adding this needle-free alternative, health authorities aim to reduce barriers associated with traditional injections, which can sometimes deter individuals—particularly children, elderly patients, and those with needle anxiety—from getting vaccinated.
Officials emphasized that the nasal spray vaccine has undergone rigorous testing and meets international safety and efficacy standards. It is intended to provide protection against the strains of influenza expected to circulate during the current flu season, offering an important tool to reduce the incidence and severity of infections. The Ministry also highlighted that the move aligns with the UAE’s commitment to adopting innovative healthcare solutions that prioritize both patient comfort and public health outcomes.
Expanding the range of available flu vaccines is also seen as a strategic measure to increase overall vaccination coverage. With flu season posing a recurring risk of widespread illness, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions, providing multiple delivery options helps ensure that more people can be immunized conveniently and safely. The nasal spray approach is particularly suitable for those who might otherwise avoid vaccination due to discomfort with needles, making it a valuable addition to the country’s preventive healthcare measures.
Healthcare providers across the UAE are being briefed on the proper administration of the nasal spray vaccine to ensure that each dose is given safely and effectively. The Ministry of Health and Prevention is encouraging both public and private medical institutions to incorporate the new option into their seasonal flu vaccination programs. In addition to expanding the choice for patients, this initiative reflects the country’s broader goals of strengthening community immunity and enhancing preparedness against influenza outbreaks.
The UAE has a history of proactive public health campaigns, and the introduction of the nasal spray flu vaccine continues this tradition. By combining scientific advancement with practical accessibility, the Ministry aims to foster a healthier population while reducing the burden of seasonal influenza. According to Emarat Al Youm, the Ministry hopes that offering a needle-free alternative will encourage more residents to get vaccinated, thereby increasing overall immunization rates and contributing to stronger community health resilience.
In summary, the launch of the nasal spray flu vaccine in the UAE represents a milestone in preventive healthcare. With its availability in both public and private healthcare facilities, it provides a safe, convenient, and effective alternative to injections, reinforcing the Ministry of Health and Prevention’s commitment to innovation, accessibility, and enhanced public protection during the flu season.
The newly introduced nasal spray flu vaccine is designed to protect against the same influenza strains that are included in the standard injectable flu shot each year, ensuring comparable coverage and effectiveness. Unlike traditional vaccines that are administered with a needle, this option uses a live attenuated virus—meaning the virus is weakened so it cannot cause illness in healthy recipients. Because it is delivered as a spray through the nostrils rather than an injection, the vaccine provides a pain-free alternative, making it particularly appealing to children and anyone who experiences anxiety or fear related to needles.
Health authorities have recommended the nasal spray vaccine for individuals who are generally healthy and fall within the age range of two to forty-nine years. The needle-free administration makes it easier for younger populations to receive the vaccine, reducing the stress and discomfort often associated with injections. Additionally, the ease of application may encourage higher vaccination uptake among people who might otherwise avoid getting immunized due to needle phobia. By offering this innovative delivery method, healthcare providers aim to expand accessibility, enhance convenience, and support public health initiatives designed to protect communities from seasonal influenza outbreaks.
The nasal spray flu vaccine, which is now being introduced in the UAE, has a long history of regulatory approval abroad. It was first authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003 for use in children and adults between the ages of five and forty-nine. Later, in 2007, the FDA extended this approval to include younger children, specifically those aged two to five years. According to Dr. Nada Al Marzouqi, Director of the Public Health and Prevention Department at the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, these approvals were based on extensive clinical trials demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine across these age groups. The vaccine’s approval timeline underscores the careful evaluation and monitoring processes it has undergone to ensure that it is suitable for public use.
Dr. Al Marzouqi emphasized that, consistent with international clinical guidelines, the nasal spray flu vaccine is intended primarily for healthy individuals aged two to forty-nine years. While the vaccine offers a convenient, needle-free alternative to traditional injections, it is not suitable for everyone. She highlighted the importance of consulting a qualified healthcare professional before choosing the nasal spray option, noting that a physician can help determine which type of influenza vaccination—whether injectable or nasal spray—is most appropriate based on an individual’s age, health status, and medical history. This step is particularly important for ensuring both safety and the best possible immune response.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention has also identified specific groups for whom the nasal spray vaccine is not recommended. These include children under the age of two, as their immune systems are still developing and may not respond adequately to the live attenuated virus in the spray. Adults over the age of fifty are also advised against using this option, as studies indicate that the injectable vaccine may provide better protection for this age group. Pregnant women should avoid the nasal spray, and it is similarly not suitable for individuals with compromised immune systems or certain chronic illnesses that could increase the risk of complications. Additionally, people who are in close contact with individuals suffering from severe immunodeficiency should not use this vaccine, to prevent potential transmission of the live weakened virus.
By clearly defining who should and should not receive the nasal spray flu vaccine, the Ministry aims to ensure that the new option is used safely and effectively, expanding access to influenza protection while minimizing potential risks. It also reinforces the importance of personalized medical guidance in vaccination programs, ensuring that each person receives the best preventive care suited to their health profile.
Dr. Nada Al Marzouqi, Director of the Public Health and Prevention Department at the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, clarified that for individuals who fall into categories where the nasal spray flu vaccine is not suitable—such as young children under two, adults over fifty, pregnant women, or people with certain chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems—the traditional injectable influenza vaccine or alternative options recommended by a physician are considered the safest and most effective choice. She stressed that the selection of a particular vaccine is never arbitrary; rather, it is guided by careful consideration of each individual’s health status, age, and potential risk factors. By adhering to both national and international clinical guidelines, healthcare providers ensure that every vaccination administered maximizes protection while minimizing any potential risk. In this way, the UAE aligns its vaccination programs with global best practices, prioritizing the health and safety of all residents while also responding to the evolving needs of public health.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention confirmed that the nasal spray flu vaccine has been officially registered in the UAE and falls under the rigorous oversight of the country’s pharmaceutical regulatory authorities. This registration ensures that the vaccine meets strict quality, safety, and efficacy standards before it is made available to the public. Beyond local approval, the vaccine is recognized by several major international regulatory and health organizations, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). These endorsements indicate that the vaccine has undergone thorough evaluation through clinical trials and real-world studies, providing assurance that it is both safe and effective for the populations for which it is approved.
In addition to regulatory approvals, the UAE has put in place robust monitoring systems to track the performance and safety of vaccines administered within the country. All side effects, adverse reactions, and the overall effectiveness of vaccines are closely observed through the nation’s pharmacovigilance program. This system operates as part of an integrated framework designed to oversee the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines and vaccines distributed in the UAE. By systematically collecting and analyzing data on vaccine outcomes, authorities can quickly identify any potential issues, adjust recommendations if needed, and provide timely guidance to healthcare providers and the public.
Through these measures, the UAE demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a high standard of public health protection. Every step—from careful selection of the appropriate vaccine for each individual to rigorous local registration, international approvals, and ongoing safety monitoring—is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure that vaccination remains a safe, effective, and trusted tool for preventing influenza and other communicable diseases. This multifaceted approach reflects the country’s broader objective of integrating innovation, scientific rigor, and global best practices into its healthcare system, providing residents with access to the safest and most effective immunization options available.
