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)
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis A
Pneumonia
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.