Hanoi:The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) is intensifying efforts to raise awareness about vaccinations as winter approaches, emphasizing their importance in public health protection. Vaccinations are essential not only for children but for individuals throughout their lives, including adolescents, adults, pregnant women, older adults, and those at higher risk of complications.
According to Qatar News Agency, PHCC offers a comprehensive range of vaccination services, including routine, seasonal, and travel immunizations, in line with the national immunization program. Dr. Hamad Al Mudhahka, Executive Director of Preventive Health at PHCC, highlighted the organization's commitment to promoting vaccine awareness through various campaigns and educational events targeting different age groups.
Dr. Khalid Al Awad, Director of Health Protection at PHCC, stressed the significance of vaccination services and improving public understanding of vaccines. PHCC's services cover a wide array of vaccines such as those against measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, hepatitis B, seasonal influenza, human papillomavirus (HPV), pneumococcal disease, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and meningococcal disease.
For children, the vaccination schedule includes vaccines against diseases like tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, polio, rotavirus infection, pneumococcal disease, chickenpox, and more. Dr. Al Awad advised that missing a scheduled dose should not deter parents from continuing their child’s vaccination course, as catch-up schedules are available.
Seasonal influenza vaccination is particularly emphasized during the respiratory virus season. PHCC recommends annual flu vaccines for everyone aged 6 months and older, with special focus on high-risk groups such as young children, older adults, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, and healthcare workers. The seasonal flu vaccine is available free of charge at PHCC health centers across Qatar.
PHCC's approach to immunization is comprehensive, serving various demographics including infants, children, adolescents, adults, pregnant women, and older adults, reinforcing the principle of lifelong prevention. The central message is that vaccination is a health responsibility at every age, encouraging individuals to review their vaccination needs at different life stages.