Qatar HPV Vaccine Campaign 2026: What Parents Need to Know
Qatar is expanding its national school vaccination programme with the HPV vaccine, targeting more than 75,000 students across 301 government and private schools. The first phase begins September 20, 2026.
The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Primary Health Care Corporation have announced the new HPV vaccination campaign in Qatar, aimed at preventing high-risk HPV infections and reducing the future risk of HPV-related diseases and cancers.
The programme covers students in Grades 8, 9 and 10 across government, private, international and community schools.
When does the Qatar HPV vaccine campaign start?
The campaign will take place in two phases:
- First phase: September 20 to November 18, 2026
- Second phase: April 25 to May 16, 2027
More than 75,000 male and female students across 301 schools are included in the programme.
Which students will receive the HPV vaccine?
The rollout is being linked to specific school grades.
Grade 9 students
During the first phase, Grade 9 students in government and private schools will receive the first HPV vaccine dose.
Grade 8 students
During the second phase, Grade 8 students in government and private schools will receive their first HPV vaccine dose.
Grade 9 students in the second phase
Grade 9 students will also receive their second HPV vaccine dose during the second phase.
The campaign will also include scheduled Tdap booster vaccinations for eligible students.
Is the HPV vaccine mandatory in Qatar schools?
No.
The HPV vaccination is optional and requires prior consent from a parent or legal guardian.
Parents will receive an awareness leaflet and a consent form. The vaccine will only be given after the signed consent form is submitted.
This means parents should read the information provided by the health authorities carefully before deciding whether to consent to vaccination.
Where will students receive the HPV vaccine?
Vaccinations will be administered inside school health rooms, including designated clinics and equipped areas within schools.
Health teams will follow the approved health and safety procedures during the campaign.
Why is Qatar introducing the HPV vaccine?
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a common virus that can cause certain cancers and other diseases.
Qatar’s National Cancer Plan has already identified establishing a national HPV vaccination programme as a public health objective.
The new school campaign represents a major step toward that goal.
The Ministry says vaccination at an earlier age produces a stronger immune response, which is why the programme is being delivered during the school years.
Is the HPV vaccine safe?
According to the Ministry of Public Health, the HPV vaccine used in the campaign is licensed and approved by the World Health Organization and the US Food and Drug Administration.
The Ministry also says hundreds of millions of doses have been administered globally and reports vaccine effectiveness of more than 90%.
Reported side effects are generally mild and can include:
- Pain or other mild symptoms at the injection site
- Low-grade fever
- Tiredness
- Mild headache
The Ministry says these symptoms generally resolve within 24 to 48 hours.
What parents in Qatar need to know
The most important points are simple:
Who: Students in Grades 8, 9 and 10
Schools: Government, private, international and community schools
Students targeted: More than 75,000
Schools covered: 301
First phase: September 20 to November 18, 2026
Second phase: April 25 to May 16, 2027
Consent: Parent or guardian approval is required
Location: School health rooms
Cost: The announcement does not state a separate charge for students under this school campaign
A new chapter in Qatar’s school health programme
The HPV rollout comes as Qatar continues to strengthen preventive healthcare through schools.
Earlier this year, the national school vaccination campaign targeted more than 51,000 Grade 9 and Grade 10 students for Tdap vaccination across 278 schools.
The new HPV programme expands that preventive approach and brings a major new vaccine into Qatar’s national school health programme.
For parents, the key action is straightforward: read the HPV vaccine information leaflet, understand the programme and complete the consent form if you want your child to participate.
