The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) is offering free seasonal influenza vaccinations for adults and children aged six months and older through its 31 health centres across Qatar, urging residents to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of severe illness and complications.
Vaccination remains a cornerstone of infectious disease prevention and is essential at every stage of life, from infancy to older adulthood. Alongside seasonal influenza vaccines, PHCC provides routine immunisations and vaccinations for travel, Haj and Umrah in accordance with the National Immunisation Programme.
Dr Hamad al-Mudahka, executive director of PHCC's Preventive Health Department, highlighted the importance of raising awareness about vaccination and its role in protecting individual and community health. He said the department continues to promote immunisation through educational campaigns and outreach activities targeting different age groups.
For children, the routine immunisation schedule protects against several diseases, including tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, polio, rotavirus, pneumococcal disease, chickenpox and measles. Parents are encouraged to ensure their children receive the recommended doses on time.
However, a missed or delayed dose does not mean a child has lost the opportunity to complete the vaccination schedule. Catch-up immunisation plans help children receive outstanding doses based on their age and vaccination history.
PHCC recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone aged six months and older, with particular emphasis on groups at higher risk of complications, including young children, older adults, pregnant women, people with chronic conditions and healthcare workers.
Because influenza viruses change each season, annual vaccination remains an important preventive measure. It can reduce the risk of severe illness and complications, lowering the likelihood of hospitalisation.
The vaccine is available free of charge at PHCC health centres across Qatar. Residents should check with their health centre about appointment requirements and arrangements for the seasonal influenza vaccination campaign.