MoPH announces inclusion of HPV vaccine in National School Vaccination Campaign

Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Public Health has announced that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine will be included in the National School Vaccination Campaign, aiming to prevent high-risk types of the virus and reduce associated health issues. The Ministry held a press conference to discuss the campaign's objectives, implementation, and phases.

The campaign will cover 301 government and private schools, targeting students in Grades 8, 9, and 10, approximately 75,000 male and female students. The first phase begins on September 20 and ends on November 18, 2026, while the second phase runs from April 25 to May 16, 2027.

The vaccine's inclusion signifies a crucial preventive step for students' health and community immunity, with cooperation among health and education sector authorities. The vaccine, approved by the World Health Organization and the US Food and Drug Administration, has proven 90% efficacy and is administered at an early age for the highest immune response. Common side effects are mild and temporary, resolving within 24 to 48 hours.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education will collaborate with schools and provide an optimal environment for school health teams to administer the vaccinations. Parents and guardians must provide consent using a designated form, available with an awareness leaflet. Vaccination is optional and will be conducted in school health rooms in accordance with health regulations.

The Ministry and its partners stress the importance of families reading the awareness leaflet and completing the consent form to ensure their children's health protection.