Qatar’s PHCC Launches Free Flu Vaccine Drive Across 31 Clinics

Free Flu Vaccine Availability

The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) is providing free seasonal influenza vaccinations for adults and children aged six months and older at its 31 health centres spread across Qatar, urging residents to get the shot to lower the risk of severe illness and complications.

In the Gulf region, immunisation drives are a routine part of public health strategy.

Broader Immunisation Programme

Vaccination remains a cornerstone of infectious disease prevention and is essential at every stage of life, from infancy to older adulthood.

Besides the seasonal flu shot, PHCC offers routine immunisations and vaccines for travel, Haj and Umrah in line with the National Immunisation Programme.

The programme includes vaccines against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV), pneumococcal disease, Covid-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and meningococcal disease.

Vaccination needs vary according to age, health status and individual risk.

For children, the routine schedule protects against tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, polio, rotavirus, pneumococcal disease, chickenpox and measles.

Parents are encouraged to ensure their children receive the recommended doses on time.

If a dose is missed or delayed, catch‑up immunisation plans allow children to complete the schedule based on their age and vaccination history.

Leadership Emphasis on Awareness and Access

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, noting that the department continues to promote immunisation through educational campaigns and outreach activities targeting different age groups.

Dr Khalid Elawad, manager of Health Protection at PHCC, also stressed the importance of ensuring access to vaccination services and strengthening public awareness of their benefits.

Recommendations and Next Steps

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 that 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.