The panic over the virus has given way to informed caution especially in the region, and the GSK vaccine is being made available in the UAE and other GCC countries. The nation-wide vaccination campaign to tackle the flu virus began with General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, receiving the first 
swine flu vaccine.

The H1N1 which is air-borne poses a greater challenge than water-borne versions. The UAE along with other countries reacted quickly and came up with comprehensive measures to contain it. The UAE Ministry of Education, jointly with the Ministry of Health, launched the ‘safe school’ campaign, educating parents and the school community on the best ways to keep schools in the country free of the virus. The reopening of schools was delayed. Yet, no measure proved fool-proof.  The fact that some two million foreigners and as many Saudis will congregate in Makkah and Medina for Haj heightened fears of a resurgent spread. After all, the holy pilgrimage this year coincides with the season of winter flu. The region had to find a way out and immunisation was the answer.

High demand for the vaccine all over the world has resulted in a shortage. The UAE is set to buy one million vaccines in the next three months, and though it is insufficient to meet the requirement of the entire population, it comes as a respite. The government has taken the right step in altering the instructions of world health authorities to include Haj pilgrims in the high risk group — including pregnant women, anyone aged between six months to 24 years, healthcare professionals, childcare personnel, and anyone aged between 25 and 64 with existing medical conditions — and according them priority. Oman, too, has followed the UAE and included the pilgrims in the high risk category.

The fact that the vaccines will be made available in primary health care centres across the UAE free of charge makes the crusade more effective. Administering the vaccine through schools and initiating awareness campaigns to remove apprehensions, if any, will make sure the 
drive is successful.