Why Immunization
Vaccinations are considered one of the most successful interventions in the field of public health. Vaccinations contribute to strengthening the immune system in the child’s body very effectively and thus provide him with protection from infectious diseases that may lead to serious diseases, results and complications that may amount to disability and death. The main vaccinations are given at an early age, and the vaccine must be given within a certain period to ensure its effectiveness since each vaccine has a specific time, for example the measles, rubella and mumps (MMR) vaccine is not usually given before the first year of the child's life in order to be effective in combating the disease. Accordingly, the Department of Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control and the expanded immunization program in the State of Qatar have developed an advanced and modern child immunization program. The National Vaccination Committee is also constantly reviewing and making adjustments to the vaccination schedule in accordance with the trends of disease prevention in the country. Currently, there are 12 vaccines used in the national program for basic vaccinations in the State of Qatar, providing children with immunity against 14 diseases. These diseases are explained as follows:
Tuberculosis or tuberculosis
Diphtheria
Tetanus - tetanus
Whooping cough
Paralysis
Haemophilus influenzae (hemorrhagic influenza B)
Measles
Mumps
rubella
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis A
Pneumonia
Rotavirus
Chickenpox
In addition to this list there is a group of vaccines that are offered optionally, for example a seasonal influenza vaccine or vaccines that are offered based on the presence of certain conditions, such as vaccines that are given to travelers to some endemic areas around the world.
- At Birth
- BCG
- HEPATITIES B
- 2 Months
- HEXA1
- ROTA1
- PCV1
- 4 Months
- HEXA2
- ROTA2
- PCV2
- 6 Months
- OPV1
- PCV3
- Influenza
- Meningococcal
- 12 Months
- MMR1
- Vericella1
- Hepatitis A
- Influenza
- 18 Months
- Penta
- OPV2
- Influenza
- MMR2
- Hepatitis A
- Meningococcal
- Vericella2
- 4-6 Years
- Tetra*
- OPV 3
- Meningococcal
- Influenza
- Hepatitis A
- 13-18 Years
- Tdap**
- Meningococcal
- Influenza
- Hepatitis A
- Routinely Recommended Vaccines
- Influenza vaccine highly recommended annually during flu season for any individual 6 months and above especially high-risk persons
- Two doses (6 months apart) recommended for frequent travelers to high-risk countries, aged 1 year and above
- Recommended for high-risk persons and travelers to endemic areas. Children 6 to <12 months (based on vaccine type and the manufacturer recommendation): 1 dose PLUS a booster at 12 months with at least 2 months interval. Children from 12 months of age, ado
- For 11-14 years: 2 doses (6 months apart). For 15-26 years: 3 doses (second dose after 2 months, last dose 6 months later)
- MMR : Measles, Mumps, Rubella
- HEXA : Hepatitis B, DTaP, Hib, IPV
- PENTA : Hepatitis B, DTP, Hib
- TETRA : DTaP, Hib
* DTaP alone or Pentaxim or any vaccine containing DTaP may be used at 18 months if Tetra is not available. DTaP/DTP/DT vaccine should not be used above 6 years of age. Use Tdap/Td instead.
** Tdap (Boostrix brand) can be used if DTaP is not available.
Where To Get the Immunization
Where do I get immunization? The State of Qatar attaches great importance to immunizing children, and therefore it strives to cover all parts of the country through health centers with the required vaccinations for all ages. Governmental health sector institutions provide immunization services to the public, and to obtain them, you can visit the hospital / health center that you belong to, and there are a number of private health facilities that also provide vaccination services, either under private health insurance or for a fee. Governmental health facilities providing basic vaccination services for children in the State of Qatar:
