MoPH adds HPV vaccine to National School Vaccination Campaign

Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health has announced the inclusion of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in the National School Vaccination Campaign, expanding preventive healthcare measures for students across the country.

The campaign is being implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Primary Health Care Corporation.

It will cover 301 government and private schools and target more than 75,000 male and female students in Grades 8, 9 and 10.

Campaign begins September 20

The vaccination programme will be carried out in two phases.

The first phase will run from September 20 to November 18, 2026.

The second phase is scheduled from April 25 to May 16, 2027.

Vaccinations will be administered in designated school health rooms and clinics in line with approved health procedures.

Which students will receive the vaccine?

During the first phase, Grade 9 students in government and private schools will receive the first dose of the HPV vaccine.

Grade 10 students in government schools will also receive a booster dose of the tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccine, for the final time this year.

The second phase will include:

• First HPV dose for Grade 8 students
• Second HPV dose for Grade 9 students
• Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis booster for Grade 9 students

The campaign applies to public, private, international and community schools within the targeted age groups.

Vaccination is optional

The Ministry confirmed that participation is voluntary.

Students will only receive the vaccine after a parent or guardian signs a designated consent form.

The consent form will be accompanied by an awareness leaflet explaining the vaccine and the campaign.

Why is the HPV vaccine being added?

The Ministry said the aim is to provide early protection against high-risk types of HPV and reduce the future burden of diseases and cancers associated with the virus.

According to MOPH, the vaccine is approved by both the World Health Organization and the US Food and Drug Administration, with hundreds of millions of doses administered worldwide.

The Ministry said the vaccine’s effectiveness exceeds 90%, and that vaccination between the ages of 11 and 14 produces a stronger immune response than when given at older ages.

Common side effects are generally mild and may include soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, tiredness or a mild headache, usually resolving within 24 to 48 hours.

Schools to support rollout and awareness

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education will coordinate directly with schools and provide suitable facilities for vaccination teams.

Schools will also support awareness efforts aimed at students and parents to help explain the campaign and the vaccination process.

PHCC school health teams will administer the vaccines in school clinics and other designated health areas.

The campaign forms part of wider efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare and improve student health across Qatar.

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