Vaccinations

Healthcare Basics

Vaccinations in Qatar

From childhood vaccines to shots for pensioners, here’s what you need to know about (mandatory and optional) vaccinations in Qatar.

Girl getting a vaccination
writer

Updated 16-6-2025

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.

Woman wearing a face mask and getting a vaccine.
Photo: GeorgiNutsov/Getty Images

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.

Big brother looks lovingly at the new born baby behind a window. They're in the hospital.
Photo: Gabriel Tovar/Unsplash

Mandatory and recommended vaccinations

Like we said earlier, Qatar doesn’t have mandatory vaccinations. However, the following are strongly recommended:

VaccineDiseases and infections it protects againstNumber of doses
BCG vaccineTuberculosisOne
HepA vaccineHepatitis ATwo
HepB vaccineHepatitis BOne
Hexa vaccine (HepB/DTPa/Hib/ VIP)Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and Haemophilus influenzae type bTwo
HPV vaccineHuman PapillomavirusTwo or three
Influenza vaccineCommon fluOne
Meningococcal vaccineMeningococcal diseaseTwo
MMR vaccineMeasles, mumps, and rubellaTwo
PCV vaccineStreptococcus pneumoniae bacteria (like pneumonia, meningitis, and blood poisoning)Three
Penta vaccineDiphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type bOne
OPV vaccinePolioThree
Rota vaccineRotavirusTwo
Tdap vaccineDiphtheria, tetanus, and whooping coughOne
Tetra vaccineDiphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and haemophilus influenzae type bOne
Vericella vaccineChickenpox and shinglesTwo

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:

AgeVaccine
BirthFirst (only) dose of BCG vaccine
First (only) dose of HepB vaccine
2 monthsFirst dose of Hexa vaccine
First dose of PCV vaccine
First dose of Rota vaccine
4 monthsSecond dose of Hexa vaccine
Second dose of PCV vaccine
Second dose of Rota vaccine
6 monthsFirst dose of OPV vaccine
Third dose of PCV vaccine
First (only) dose of Penta vaccine
12 monthsFirst dose of MMR vaccine
First dose of Vericella vaccine
18 monthsSecond dose of OPV vaccine
Second dose of MMR vaccine
First dose of Tetra vaccine
4–6 yearsFirst dose of DTaPB vaccine
Third dose of OPV vaccine
Second dose of Vericella vaccine
13–18 yearsFirst 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)
senior man getting vaccinated
Photo: Getty Images via Unsplash

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

Author

Danielle Richardson

About the author

Danielle is a UK-based journalist who’s worked in consumer journalism for the last decade on a range of publications covering entertainment, health, and finance.