Qatar will offer the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in schools for the first time from September 20, strengthening efforts to prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers.
The vaccine will be introduced through the National School Vaccination Campaign, which will cover more than 75,000 boys and girls across 301 government and private schools.
Vaccination is voluntary and requires prior written consent from a parent or guardian.
“This is the first time students will receive the HPV vaccine at school. The inclusion of this vaccine in the school vaccine campaign aligns with the Ministry of Public Health's policy to combat cancer, specifically its strategy to eliminate cervical cancer,” said Dr Hamad Eid al-Rumaihi, director of the Health Protection and Communicable Diseases Control Department at the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH).
He was speaking at a press conference Sunday at the ministry’s headquarters alongside Issa Ali al-Ansari, health and safety consultant in the Department of Health and Safety at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education; and Dr Layla Abdulla al-Dahnaim, manager of the School Health Programme and Services and community medicine consultant at Primary Health Care Corporation.
The initiative aims to provide early protection against HPV infection and reduce the future burden of associated diseases, including cancer.
The school campaign will run in two phases, combining HPV vaccination for students in Grades 8 and 9 with booster doses against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis for designated groups in Grades 9 and 10.
The first phase, from September 20 to November 18, will offer the first HPV vaccine dose to Grade 9 students in government and private schools. Grade 10 students in government schools will be offered the tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis booster.
The second phase, from April 25 to May 16, 2027, will offer the first HPV vaccine dose to Grade 8 students and the second dose to Grade 9 students in government and private schools.
Grade 9 students in both sectors will also be offered the tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis booster.
Dr al-Rumaihi said the inclusion of the HPV vaccine represented an important preventive measure to protect students’ health and strengthen protection across the community.
The campaign is being organised in coordination with the relevant health and education authorities to ensure vaccination is delivered in accordance with established health and organisational standards.
He said HPV vaccines had been used worldwide since 2006 and were safe and effective. The vaccine selected for the campaign protects against nine types of HPV, including high-risk types associated with cervical cancer and several other cancers.
Vaccination in early adolescence provides a strong immune response and helps protect recipients before exposure to the virus.
Parents and guardians will receive a designated consent form accompanied by an information leaflet. Students will be vaccinated only after a parent or guardian has signed the form.
The ministry said HPV vaccines were used in 164 countries worldwide, including all GCC countries.
