Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has issued an advisory urging the public—especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, and individuals with weakened immune systems—to take the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine. The vaccine, available at all Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) health centers, helps prevent severe illness and hospitalisation by offering protection for at least two years. The ministry launched a social media campaign promoting the message, “Protect yourself and your loved ones with the RSV vaccine,” encouraging people to visit the nearest health center or call 107 to book their vaccination.

RSV is a highly contagious virus that targets the respiratory system, often causing cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, cough, and mild fever. These symptoms can be easily mistaken for a common cold. While most cases resolve within a week, RSV can lead to serious complications like pneumonia and bronchitis, especially among high-risk individuals. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing and through contact with contaminated surfaces, making hygiene practices such as handwashing and surface cleaning crucial to prevention.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), RSV is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory infections in children under five and a major contributor to severe respiratory illnesses among elderly adults. It is responsible for over 3.6 million hospitalisations and approximately 100,000 deaths in young children globally each year. In light of these statistics, the MoPH has reinforced the importance of early vaccination to curb the risk of life-threatening complications, aiming to safeguard public health, particularly during peak respiratory illness seasons.