Vaccinations in Qatar: Health Requirements for Expats

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:

• The vaccination system in Qatar

• Insurance for vaccinations in Qatar

• Childhood vaccinations in QatarMandatory and recommended vaccinationsOther optional vaccinations in Qatar

• Mandatory and recommended vaccinations

• Other optional vaccinations in Qatar

• Vaccination schedule in Qatar

• COVID-19 vaccination in Qatar

• Vaccinations for pensioners in Qatar

• Vaccinations for special groups in Qatar

• Travel vaccinations in Qatar

• Useful resources

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The vaccination system in Qatar

Qatar has a well-organized and proactive approach to vaccinations, particularly For 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.

The healthcare system in Qatar

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:

• Allianz Care

• Cigna Global

Guide to getting health insurance in Qatar

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 vaccineFirst (only) dose of HepB vaccine

2 months

First dose of Hexa vaccineFirst dose of PCV vaccineFirst dose of Rota vaccine

4 months

Second dose of Hexa vaccineSecond dose of PCV vaccineSecond dose of Rota vaccine

6 months

First dose of OPV vaccineThird dose of PCV vaccineFirst (only) dose of Penta vaccine

12 months

First dose of MMR vaccineFirst dose of Vericella vaccine

18 months

Second dose of OPV vaccineSecond dose of MMR vaccineFirst dose of Tetra vaccine

4–6 years

First dose of DTaPB vaccineThird dose of OPV vaccineSecond dose of Vericella vaccine

13–18 years

First dose of Tdap vaccineFirst, 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