Children aged six months and above should be vaccinated against influenza as inoculation programmes against the seasonal virus prepare to get under way, according to doctors.

As schools start a new term and more people travel to the UAE for winter breaks, September is typically the start of flu season.

The 2022-23 vaccine is slightly different to previous years due to the constantly evolving strain of influenza now circulating in communities. It is a combination quadrivalent vaccine — effective against four flu viruses.

Cases usually increase in October and November and can continue through to June — typically in two waves.

As a result, medics said September is the ideal time to get young people and the vulnerable vaccinated to offer winter protection.

“The recommendation is for any child over six months to be vaccinated against influenza,” said Dr Jamuna Raghuraman, a pediatrician at Medeor Hospital, Dubai.

“We know the vaccines are safe, and after the pandemic, we know younger children have been suffering more with related symptoms so it is important they have protection.