Doha: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in partnership with the National Planning Council, is conducting the National Immunization Coverage Survey in the State of Qatar. The fieldwork for this survey will take place from Sept. 24 to Dec. 24, 2025.
According to Qatar News Agency, this National Immunization Coverage Survey is the first of its kind in the country. It aims to scientifically and systematically measure vaccination coverage rates and their related determinants. The survey is designed to strengthen health security and ensure the continued provision of the highest levels of protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.
The survey is targeting a random sample of more than 11,000 households, representing all residents of Qatar, both citizens and expatriates, who have children aged between one year and under seven years. Data will be collected from the children's guardians through home visits and by reviewing their vaccination cards.
The Ministry of Public Health held a press conference, today, to announce the survey, during which Director of the Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control Department at the Ministry Dr. Hamad Eid Al Rumaihi, and Director of Statistical Operations at the National Planning Council Saud Matar Al Shammari, spoke.
Dr. Hamad Eid Al Rumaihi stated, "This national survey reaffirms the Ministry of Public Health's commitment to protecting individuals and society in Qatar from health risks related to vaccine-preventable communicable diseases." He further explained that the survey results will provide a comprehensive national database to help develop the national immunization program and improve vaccination outreach.
Saud Matar Al Shammari confirmed that all preparations have been completed for the commencement of the fieldwork, noting that participating researchers have received intensive training to ensure the quality of data collection and to guarantee genuine representation of the various segments of Qatari society. He emphasized that all data collected will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
He added that immunizing children directly contributes to achieving the third Sustainable Development Goal (Good Health and Well-being) by reducing deaths and diseases that vaccines can prevent. It is an effective and cost-efficient health intervention to strengthen health systems and achieve universal health coverage.
The survey will be implemented in collaboration with the World Health Organization and in accordance with international standards, ensuring the data quality and the reliability of the results. This collaboration also extends the strategic partnership between the MoPH and the National Planning Council, which has previously resulted in the implementation of several national health surveys.
It is worth mentioning that the National Immunization Program at the MoPH, established in 1979, continues to develop its services regularly. Vaccinations are free of charge at 31 health centers affiliated with the Primary Health Care Corporation and 71 private health institutions. The national immunization schedule includes 15 vaccines that protect against 17 diseases, from birth up to 18 years of age.
The Ministry of Public Health invites all families participating in the survey to fully cooperate with the field teams and researchers. Participation in this survey is an essential national contribution towards building a healthy and safe future for our children.