HPV vaccine to be included in vaccination campaign across public and private schools in Qatar

The Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), has announced the inclusion of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Qatar’s National School Vaccination Campaign.

The initiative aims to provide early protection against high-risk types of HPV and reduce the future health burden associated with HPV-related diseases and cancers.

HPV Vaccination Campaign to Cover 301 Schools

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

The first phase will run from September 20 to November 18, 2026, while the second phase is scheduled from April 25 to May 16, 2027.

HPV Vaccine Added to National Immunisation Programme

The inclusion of the HPV vaccine in the National Immunisation Programme marks an important preventive health measure for students.

Health and education authorities are working together to ensure the vaccination campaign is carried out according to approved health and organisational standards.

Vaccine Approved and Proven Effective

The Ministry of Public Health said the HPV vaccine is licensed and approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

According to the ministry, hundreds of millions of doses have been administered globally under established safety standards.

The vaccine has an efficacy of more than 90 per cent, while vaccination between the ages of 11 and 14 is associated with the strongest immune response compared with older age groups.

Common Side Effects Are Mild

Health authorities said common side effects are generally mild and may include:

Mild pain or other local symptoms at the injection site
Low-grade fever
Fatigue
Mild headache
These symptoms typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours.

Vaccination Will Be Offered in Schools

Students will receive the vaccines in school health rooms, including designated clinics and equipped areas within schools.

The programme will cover government, private, international and community schools within the specified age groups. It will not extend to institutions outside the designated school setting.

Details of the First Phase

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

At the same time, Grade 10 students in government schools will receive the booster dose of the tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine for the final time this year.

Details of the Second Phase

The second phase will include:

First HPV vaccine dose for Grade 8 students in government and private schools
Second HPV vaccine dose for Grade 9 students in government and private schools
Tdap booster dose for Grade 9 students in government and private schools

Parental Consent Is Required

The HPV vaccination is optional and requires prior consent from a parent or legal guardian.

Parents will receive a designated consent form along with an awareness leaflet. The vaccine will only be administered after the signed consent form has been submitted.

Education Ministry Supports Awareness Efforts

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education will coordinate directly with schools and provide suitable facilities for school health teams to administer the vaccines.

It will also support awareness and educational initiatives for students and parents to help families understand the campaign and make informed decisions.

Families Urged to Review Campaign Information

The Ministry of Public Health and its partners have highlighted the important role of parents and guardians in the campaign.

Families are encouraged to read the awareness leaflet carefully and complete the consent form to support the health and wellbeing of their children.