Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has reiterated the importance of the Tdap vaccine-protecting against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis-emphasising its critical role in safeguarding students from serious infectious diseases.

As part of its ongoing public health awareness initiatives, the Ministry stressed that the Tdap booster dose is essential in protecting students’ health and preventing illnesses that may result in severe complications, long-term disability, or even death. It also noted that proof of vaccination against these diseases is often required for admission to many local and international universities.

In awareness messages shared on its official social media platforms, MoPH explained that the Tdap vaccine is included in Qatar’s national immunisation programme. The booster dose forms part of vaccination requirements followed by universities worldwide and helps protect not only vaccinated individuals but also the wider community.

The Ministry highlighted that tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis pose significant health risks, particularly in school settings where infections can spread rapidly among students. Timely vaccination, it said, plays a key role in ensuring a safer and healthier learning environment for future generations.

MoPH also pointed out that protecting students through vaccination is a shared responsibility and an essential preventive measure for overall community wellbeing.

Qatar continues to record strong performance in childhood immunisation, with coverage for the third dose of the Tdap vaccine remaining consistently high. In many cases, coverage exceeds 90 percent, placing the country well above global benchmarks and reflecting the effectiveness of its national vaccination programmes.

The Ministry conducts an annual school-based vaccination campaign targeting Year 10 students to protect them against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. The initiative is implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC).

The school-based vaccination strategy is recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO), which recommends a Tdap booster dose every 10 years to maintain immunity.