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Getting vaccinated in Qatar is a pretty straightforward procedure. And, although the county doesn’t have a mandatory vaccination schedule, vaccines are free and help protect you and others against infectious diseases.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about the topic, including:
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The vaccination system in Qatar
Qatar has a well-organized and proactive approach to vaccinations, particularly when it comes to childhood immunizations. While vaccines are not legally mandatory for all residents, they are strongly encouraged, and in many cases, effectively required. For example, for practical reasons like enrolling your child in school or working in certain professions.
The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) runs a national vaccination program that provides free routine childhood vaccines. Coverage rates are high (97.5% in 2023), and it’s generally expected that families will follow the recommended schedule.
Booster vaccines for diseases like tetanus or MMR are often recommended for adults, especially if you’re planning travel or working in healthcare or food-related industries. Some jobs also require a medical fitness certificate, which may include proof of immunization.
Insurance for vaccinations in Qatar
Qatar’s public healthcare system ensures that the majority of vaccinations are free (or low-cost) and universally available to all citizens and GCC-nationals (Gulf Cooperation Council – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE). Non-GCC expats, however, are excluded from public coverage. Instead, they must have private health insurance to cover their stay.
There is a wide variety of health insurance providers in Qatar, including these global companies catering specifically to expats:
Childhood vaccinations in Qatar
Emirati children receive free vaccinations at public clinics. Expat children have the option to get vaccinated at a private clinic, which, of course, requires private insurance coverage.
If you just had a baby, your newborn(s) will get immunized at the hospital.
Mandatory and recommended vaccinations
Like we said earlier, Qatar doesn’t have mandatory vaccinations. However, the following are strongly recommended:
| Vaccine | Diseases and infections it protects against | Number of doses |
| BCG vaccine | Tuberculosis | One |
| HepA vaccine | Hepatitis A | Two |
| HepB vaccine | Hepatitis B | One |
| Hexa vaccine (HepB/DTPa/Hib/ VIP) | Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and Haemophilus influenzae type b | Two |
| HPV vaccine | Human Papillomavirus | Two or three |
| Influenza vaccine | Common flu | One |
| Meningococcal vaccine | Meningococcal disease | Two |
| MMR vaccine | Measles, mumps, and rubella | Two |
| PCV vaccine | Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria (like pneumonia, meningitis, and blood poisoning) | Three |
| Penta vaccine | Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b | One |
| OPV vaccine | Polio | Three |
| Rota vaccine | Rotavirus | Two |
| Tdap vaccine | Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough | One |
| Tetra vaccine | Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and haemophilus influenzae type b | One |
| Vericella vaccine | Chickenpox and shingles | Two |
Other optional vaccinations in Qatar
Other vaccines available include:
- COVID-19
- Japanese encephalitis
- Meningococcal ACWY
- Pneumococcal
- Typhoid
Vaccination schedule in Qatar
The following is a recommended vaccination schedule in Qatar:
| Age | Vaccine |
| Birth | First (only) dose of BCG vaccine First (only) dose of HepB vaccine |
| 2 months | First dose of Hexa vaccine First dose of PCV vaccine First dose of Rota vaccine |
| 4 months | Second dose of Hexa vaccine Second dose of PCV vaccine Second dose of Rota vaccine |
| 6 months | First dose of OPV vaccine Third dose of PCV vaccine First (only) dose of Penta vaccine |
| 12 months | First dose of MMR vaccine First dose of Vericella vaccine |
| 18 months | Second dose of OPV vaccine Second dose of MMR vaccine First dose of Tetra vaccine |
| 4–6 years | First dose of DTaPB vaccine Third dose of OPV vaccine Second dose of Vericella vaccine |
| 13–18 years | First dose of Tdap vaccine First, second, and possibly third dose of HPV vaccine (for girls) |
The government recommends that people over the age of 6 months get the HepA and flu vaccines annually. Hajj and Umra travellers to endemic areas are also encouraged to get the meningococcal vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccination in Qatar
Citizens and GCC nationals can access COVID-19 vaccines throughout Qatar at no cost. Visit the MoPH’s website for the latest COVID-19 updates and guidelines.
Vaccinations for pensioners in Qatar
Adult vaccinations are not mandatory in Saudi Arabia. However, doctors encourage people to get a tetanus / diphtheria booster (Td) every 10 years to maintain immunity. Likewise, anyone over 60 is recommended to get vaccinated against:
- Common flu
- Herpes zoster (shingles)
- Pneumococcal diseases (PCV and PPSV23)
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Medical workers at primary care centers typically administer vaccines for pensioners, but nursing staff at local hospitals or medical care facilities can do it as well.
Vaccinations for special groups in Qatar
Beyond routine schedules, certain groups in Saudi Arabia receive special vaccination recommendations. For example:
- Hajj/Umrah pilgrims – Meningococcal (MenACWY), pneumococcal, RSV, COVID‑19 booster
- People with chronic or immune conditions – influenza
Travel vaccinations in Qatar
All travellers to Qatar must be up to date with routine vaccinations, such as meningococcal (MenACWY), polio, and DtaP. Depending on your country of origin, you may need additional vaccines, for example, against:
- Diptheria
- Hepatitis A
- MMR
- Rabies
- Tetanus
- Typhoid
- Tuberculosis
Useful resources
- Ministry of Public Health – official government website for the ministry responsible for healthcare in Qatar
