Flu season is approaching, and every year in clinic I hear the same doubts: “It’s only the flu, isn’t it?” or “I had the shot last year — that covers me, right?” or the one that worries me most, “I’ll just take it when I get sick.”
These are understandable questions. But influenza is not a common cold, and the flu vaccine works nothing like the way most people assume. Here are the seven myths I hear most often, and the plain answers I give in the consultation room, so you can decide about vaccination for yourself and your family with real information rather than folklore.
What is the “tetravalent” vaccine?
The seasonal flu vaccine used across the UAE is tetravalent — it protects against four strains at once (two of influenza A and two of influenza B). This gives broader coverage than the older trivalent (three-strain) vaccines, and reflects the strains public health authorities expect to circulate this season.
Key takeaways
- Influenza is not the same as a common cold — for some patients it lands them in ICU.
- The injectable flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. It contains no live virus.
- Immunity from last year’s dose has waned, and this year’s strains are different. An annual dose is needed.
- Protection takes about two weeks to develop — vaccinate before flu peaks, not after you fall ill.
- Everyone from six months of age is advised to vaccinate. Priority: adults over 50, pregnant women, and anyone with diabetes, heart, lung, kidney or liver disease.
Myth 1: “It’s only the flu. It will clear on its own.”
For a healthy young adult, influenza often does resolve in a week. But influenza is not a common cold. Some strains cause severe pneumonia, respiratory failure, heart attacks, and hospital admission, and the illness can be life-threatening.
Who is at highest risk of complications
- People with diabetes
- People with hypertension
- People with heart disease
- People living with obesity
- Those with weakened immunity, or chronic kidney, lung or liver disease
- Older adults, pregnant women, and young children
In these patients, flu can destabilise an existing condition: blood sugar becomes hard to control, cardiac events become more likely, and a “simple virus” turns into an ICU stay.
Myth 2: “The vaccine gives you the flu.”
The injectable vaccine contains inactivated (killed) virus or viral fragments and cannot cause influenza. Mild soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or tiredness for a day or two is your immune system responding — not the illness itself. Any flu-like illness soon after vaccination is usually a coincidental infection caught before immunity developed.
Myth 3: “I’m healthy, so I don’t need it.”
Healthy people also get influenza, lose work days, and pass it on. You may carry and spread the virus before you feel unwell. Vaccination protects you and, just as importantly, protects the people around you who are more vulnerable — young children, elderly parents, colleagues with chronic conditions.
Myth 4: “I had the vaccine last year, so I’m covered.”
Influenza viruses change constantly, and immunity from vaccination wanes over months. The vaccine is updated every year to match circulating strains, so an annual dose is needed. Last season’s dose does not protect you this season.
Myth 5: “The vaccine doesn’t work, because people still get flu.”
No vaccine is 100% effective. Effectiveness varies by season and by how well the vaccine matches the circulating strains. But vaccinated people who do catch influenza typically have milder illness and a lower risk of hospitalisation, complications, and death. The tetravalent vaccine covers four strains — two of influenza A and two of influenza B — giving broader protection than older trivalent vaccines.
Myth 6: “Vaccines are unsafe.”
Influenza vaccines have been used for decades and have an excellent safety record. Common side effects are mild and short-lived; serious allergic reactions are rare. If you have a history of severe allergy to a vaccine component or to a previous dose, or a past neurological reaction after vaccination, speak to your doctor before your appointment — not to avoid the vaccine, but to plan the safest way to receive it.
Myth 7: “I’ll take it when I fall sick.”
The vaccine prevents illness; it is not a treatment. Protection takes about two weeks after vaccination to develop, so the best time to vaccinate is before flu season peaks — not once you already have symptoms.
Protect the people around you
Vaccination works best as a community effort. When you get vaccinated, encourage:
Workplace outbreaks spread quickly and cost productivity.
They’re in daily close contact with your family, including elderly members and children.
Efficient spreaders of influenza. Over-6-months can be vaccinated; younger babies rely on the immunity of people around them.
Family members with chronic illness are especially vulnerable to complications.
Consider offering to arrange vaccination for your household staff at the same visit. It is a small gesture that protects your whole home.
Who should get vaccinated?
Everyone aged six months and above is advised to vaccinate annually, with priority for:
Risk of complications rises with age.
Diabetes, hypertension, heart, lung, kidney or liver disease.
An independent risk factor for severe illness.
Weakened immunity needs extra protection.
Protects mother and baby — recommended at any stage.
Daily contact with vulnerable patients.
Children spread flu efficiently within families.
When to speak to a doctor before vaccination
Most people can safely receive the flu vaccine without any prior discussion. Book a short consultation first if you have:
- A history of severe allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine
- A known allergy to any vaccine component
- Guillain-Barré syndrome or another neurological reaction following a past vaccine
- A current fever or active illness — we may recommend a short delay
- A significantly weakened immune system
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to get the flu shot in Dubai?
Before the season peaks — typically September through November. Protection takes about two weeks to build, and the season generally runs from late autumn into early spring in the UAE.
Can I get the flu vaccine while pregnant?
Yes. The inactivated flu vaccine is recommended during pregnancy at any stage. It protects both you and your baby, whose immunity carries over for the first months of life.
Can I get the flu vaccine and another vaccine on the same day?
Usually, yes. Flu vaccines can be given alongside most routine vaccines. Mention what else you’re due for when you book, and our team will confirm the best combination for that visit.
Does the flu vaccine protect against COVID-19?
No — it protects only against the influenza viruses it targets. If you would like both a flu vaccine and a COVID booster, we can plan them at the same visit where appropriate.
How much does it cost, and is it covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by insurer. WhatsApp us with your insurance card details before your visit and reception will confirm coverage and any out-of-pocket cost, so there are no surprises.
The bottom line
Influenza is not “just a flu” for everyone. A single annual vaccine is a simple, safe, and effective way to reduce your risk of serious illness, protect the people you love, and keep your community healthy. Get vaccinated early this season, and bring your family, colleagues, and household staff with you.
Dr. Atul Kumar, Al Diyafa Medical Group
If you have specific concerns about your eligibility — an unusual reaction after a past vaccine, a chronic condition you’re unsure about, or a pregnancy — that’s exactly the kind of thing a short consultation is for. Better to ask and be sure.
Book your flu vaccination
Book your seasonal flu vaccine at Al Diyafa Modern Medical Centre (Jumeirah-1) — and mention if you’d like to arrange the family, elderly parents, or household staff in the same visit. WhatsApp us at +971 50 210 5888 or book online.
Emergency? Call 998.
If you or someone you’re with is having a medical emergency — severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, or loss of consciousness — call 998 (UAE ambulance) or go to the nearest emergency department. Don’t delay care for the sake of a clinic appointment.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Atul Kumar
Medical Director and founder of Al Diyafa Medical Group. Practising internal medicine in Dubai since 1992 with over four decades of clinical experience across the UAE, Libya, and India.
Medical disclaimer. This article is provided by Al Diyafa Medical Group for general health information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Al Diyafa Medical Group is licensed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). All clinicians referenced hold active DHA licenses in their respective specialties.
