In Qatar, safeguarding your child’s health begins with timely and complete vaccinations. The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) offer a structured immunization program for all children, starting at birth and continuing through adolescence.
These vaccines are administered free of cost at public health centers and help protect against a wide range of infectious diseases. Whether you’re a resident or an expat, knowing the national vaccination schedule for children in qatar ensures your child stays protected, healthy, and school-ready.
Importance of Vaccination in Child Health
Vaccination plays a vital role in protecting children during their most vulnerable years. It helps build immunity before they are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Administering vaccines on time ensures that a child’s immune system develops strong defenses early in life. Here’s why it’s essential:
- Prevents Serious Illnesses: Timely immunization guards children against dangerous diseases like measles, polio, diphtheria, and hepatitis.
- Promotes Long-Term Well-being: Early protection reduces the risk of complications and hospitalizations later in life.
- Reduces Outbreaks: Widespread vaccination helps stop the spread of contagious diseases and protects those who cannot be immunized.
- Supports School Readiness: Up-to-date vaccination records are often a requirement for nursery and school admissions in Qatar.
Qatar’s Health Authority Guidelines on Timely Vaccination
The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) have established a national immunization program to ensure all children in Qatar receive essential vaccines at the right time.
According to PHCC:
- Children should begin vaccinations at birth, with a structured schedule continuing into adolescence.
- All vaccines listed in the national program are provided free of charge at PHCC health centers.
- Parents are expected to follow the official vaccine timeline to maintain their child’s eligibility for schooling and to avoid gaps in immunity.
- The MyHealth portal is available for families to track vaccination records, appointments, and upcoming doses.
By adhering to Qatar’s official guidelines, parents contribute not only to their child’s health but also to the nation’s public health goals.
What Diseases Are Vaccinated Against in Qatar
There are different types of vaccines that protect children from various infectious diseases from birth to 12 years of age. Children are vaccinated with 12 different vaccines as protection against 14 different diseases, which are listed below:
- Tuberculosis (BCG)
- Hepatitis B and Hepatitis A
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
- Polio (IPV/OPV)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Pneumococcal infections (e.g., pneumonia, meningitis)
- Rotavirus (causes severe diarrhea in infants)
- Measles
- Â Mumps
- Rubella
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Meningococcal Disease (ACWY 135)
- Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
- Paralysis
Vaccination Schedule for Children in Qatar
Here is the children’s vaccination schedule in qatar
| Age | Vaccines Given |
| At birth | BCG, Hepatitis B (HBV0) |
| 2 months | Hexavalent 1, PCV 1, Rotavirus 1 |
| 4 months | Hexavalent 2, PCV 2, Rotavirus 2 |
| 6 months | Hexavalent 3, PCV 3, Polio, Hepatitis B |
| 12 months | MMR 1, Varicella 1, Hepatitis A 1 |
| 15 months | DTaP booster, Hib, PCV booster |
| 18 months | MMR 2, Varicella 2, Polio booster, Hepatitis A 2 |
| 2+ years | Meningococcal ACWY-135 |
| 4–6 years | DTaPB, OPV 3, Varicella 2, Meningococcal, Influenza, Hepatitis A |
| Annually | Influenza vaccine (from 6 months onward) |
| 13–18 years | Tdap booster, Hepatitis B boosters, Meningococcal booster (if needed) |
Routinely Recommended Vaccines in Qatar
- Hexavalent Vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Hepatitis B, Hib)
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)
- Rotavirus Oral Vaccine
- MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Varicella Vaccine (Chickenpox)
- Hepatitis A and B Vaccines
- Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine
- Influenza Vaccine (annually from 6 months onwards)
These are the routinely recommended vaccines in Qatar, starting from childbirth and administered at different ages.
Vaccine Doses at different stages
Hexavalent Vaccine(immune against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b)
2 months – 1st dose
4 months – 2nd dose
6 months – 3rd dose
18 months – Booster dose
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)(immune against pneumococcal diseases like pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections)
2 months – 1st dose
4 months – 2nd dose
12 months – Booster dose
Rotavirus Oral Vaccine(Protects against rotavirus)
- 2 months – 1st dose
- 4 months – 2nd dose
Note: Must be completed before 8 months of age.
MMR Vaccine
(Protects against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
- 12 months – 1st dose
- 4 to 6 years – 2nd dose
Varicella Vaccine
(Protects against Chickenpox)
- 12 months – 1st dose
- 4 to 6 years – 2nd dose
Hepatitis A and B Vaccines
- Hepatitis B:
- At birth – 1st dose
- Included in Hexavalent at 2, 4, 6 months
- At birth – 1st dose
- Hepatitis A:
- 18 months – 1st dose
- 24 months (2 years) – 2nd dose
- 18 months – 1st dose
Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine
(Protects against meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis types A, C, W, and Y)
- 12 months – 1st dose
- Grade 10 (around 15–16 years) – Booster dose
Influenza Vaccine
rom 6 months onwards – Annual vaccination recommended
- For first-time recipients under 9 years, two doses 1 month apart are recommended in the first year.
Where to Get Vaccinations in Qatar
In Qatar, vaccinations are free at Public Health Centers for residents with a valid health card. Private clinics offer paid services, often covered by insurance. Grade 10 students receive free Tdap boosters through annual school campaigns by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH).
How to Check Immunization Status Online
You can check the immunization status online with Hamad health card.
Visit the online myhealth patient portal.
First of all, you have to register your account with QID or Hamad health card number
Children below the age of 18 must be included under their parent’s MyHealth profile.
Navigate to Immunization Records section
View or print the full vaccine history and upcoming appointments
Note:
If you’re an existing MyHealth user and wish to add your children, you can do so by using this my-health minor registration link.
Important information regarding vaccination in qatar
In Qatar, all vaccination programs are overseen by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in collaboration with the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). This ensures that all vaccines are administered safely and according to national standards.
The old children’s green vaccination card has been replaced by a new, enhanced health booklet. This updated booklet includes all essential child health records and is available at the health center where the child is registered.
All vaccination records are now stored electronically and can be easily accessed through the PHCC system or the Nar’aakom app. Parents can use these platforms to monitor upcoming vaccinations and receive appointment reminders.
Vaccines are mandatory for school enrollment in both public and private institutions in Qatar. PHCC also runs mobile vaccination units and offers catch-up schedules to ensure that children who missed earlier doses can still be fully immunized.
All vaccines are stored and distributed under strict cold chain protocols to maintain their effectiveness. Additionally, some health centers offer travel vaccinations such as yellow fever and meningitis, based on international travel needs.
Qatar also conducts seasonal flu vaccination campaigns, with special focus on children, the elderly, and high-risk groups to prevent widespread outbreaks and maintain community health.
Are childhood vaccines free in Qatar?
Yes, vaccines are free at PHCC centers for all residents with a valid health card.
Can expat children follow the same vaccine schedule?
The same schedule applies to both Qatari and expatriate children.
Is a vaccination record required for school enrollment?
Yes. Most schools require up-to-date immunization proof for admission.
How many times should a child be vaccinated?
A child in Qatar typically receives multiple doses of vaccines from birth to 13 years, following a national vaccination schedule. This includes over 10 types of vaccines given across 15+ appointments to ensure full protection.
When should my child have vaccinations?
Vaccinations start at birth and continue at 2, 4, 6, 12, 18 months, then at 4-6 years, and again during school years (around Grade 10). Each vaccine is scheduled to match the child’s age and immune development.
What is the BCG vaccine in Qatar?
The BCG vaccine in Qatar protects against tuberculosis (TB). It is given at birth, typically in the hospital or at a health center, as part of the national immunization program.
