Free seasonal flu vaccines now available across Qatar

Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health has launched the National Campaign for Vaccination and Awareness against Seasonal Influenza, with free vaccines available across the country until the end of March.

The campaign is being conducted in cooperation with Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation, and government, semi-government and private healthcare facilities.

It comes ahead of the winter period, when seasonal influenza infections typically increase.

Who should get the flu vaccine?

Although the Ministry encourages the wider community to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine, particular attention is being given to groups at greater risk of complications.

These include:

• People aged 50 and above
• Children aged 6 months to 5 years
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes
• Healthcare workers

The Ministry said vaccination can help reduce both influenza infections and the risk of serious complications.

Where can you get the vaccine?

The seasonal flu vaccine is available free of charge at:

• All Primary Health Care Corporation health centres
• Hamad Medical Corporation healthcare facilities
• More than 50 private healthcare facilities across Qatar

PHCC said no advance appointment is required.

Eligible patients can go directly to a health centre to receive the vaccine, with fast-track procedures introduced to make the process easier and reduce waiting times.

Why should you get vaccinated every year?

Dr Hamad Eid Al Rumaihi, Director of the Health Protection and Communicable Diseases Department at the Ministry of Public Health, said seasonal flu vaccines need to be updated annually because circulating influenza viruses change over time.

The World Health Organization develops recommendations for each year’s vaccine based on the strains expected to circulate most widely.

For this reason, people are encouraged to receive the new seasonal vaccine each year, preferably before winter.

October and November are recommended

Dr Al Rumaihi said October and November are particularly suitable months to receive the vaccine.

The body takes around two weeks after vaccination to develop full immunity, so getting vaccinated before influenza activity increases can provide earlier protection.

Flu can cause serious complications

Seasonal influenza is not always a mild illness.

The Ministry warned that it can lead to complications including pneumonia and can worsen existing chronic diseases.

This makes vaccination particularly important for people who are more vulnerable to severe illness.

MoPH urges residents to get vaccinated early

The Ministry of Public Health is encouraging citizens and residents, particularly those at greater risk, to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine as soon as possible.

It also encouraged the wider community to participate, highlighting vaccination as an important tool for reducing transmission and protecting public health.

The Ministry is additionally holding an internal vaccination campaign for its employees and affiliates on October 7–8 and October 14–15 as part of efforts to maintain a healthier and safer workplace.

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