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Qatar’s health sector marks the World Immunization Week from April 24 to 30, by highlighting the collective action needed and to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease.
This year's World Immunization Week is being marked under the theme “The Big Catch up “, which was selected by the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to latest available data by the WHO, compared with the international benchmarks of major vaccines, the vaccination coverage rates in Qatar are high.
Vaccination coverage levels in Qatar have surpassed the optimal level of 90% for all vaccines. Qatar established the national immunization program shortly after the WHO established the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in 1974. The national immunization programme was rapidly developed in accordance with international and local situations to include a comprehensive list by 2017.
For Tetanus, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough (Tdap) vaccine, Qatar has achieved 97% coverage compared with 85% coverage globally; For Measles-containing-vaccine second-dose (MCV2), Qatar achieved 93% coverage compared 67% coverage globally; For Rotavirus vaccines completed dose (RotaC) immunization coverage among 1-year-olds, Qatar achieved 97% coverage compared with 28% coverage globally; and for Hepatitis B vaccine, Qatar achieved 97% coverage compared with 43% coverage globally.
The week aims to highlight the importance of access to vaccines and how immunization can save the lives of community members from fatal diseases, as well as support community members and their children to obtain immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Through its convening power, WHO works with countries across the globe to raise awareness of the value of vaccines and immunization and ensures that governments obtain the necessary guidance and technical support to implement high quality immunization programmes.
In Qatar awareness is intensified by public and private healthcare providers with the aim of raising public awareness on the importance of vaccination, its vital role in eliminating contagious diseases, and increase vaccination rates. The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) which is provides an extensive amount of vaccinations has launched an awareness campaign. “Protect yourself and your baby: Influenza and Tdap vaccines are recommended for pregnant women,” PHCC said in it twitter handle.
It also highlighted that any licensed vaccine has been rigorously tested before use to make sure it is safe and effective.
As the summer travel season is approaching PHCC also encourages travelers to take all necessary vaccines. Travel vaccination is available at PHCC’s Health center and at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Communicable Disease Centre.
The ultimate goal of World Immunization Week is for more children, adults – and their communities – to be protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, allowing them to live happier, healthier lives.
