Geographic and age-specific trends in vaccine-preventable diseases in Qatar: A primary health care-based study (2021-2024).

Abstract

Background: Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) remain a public-health concern in Qatar despite high immunization coverage. Frequent population movement and incomplete vaccination records may lead to susceptibility clusters and under-reporting. These dynamics underline the need for sustained surveillance and targeted immunization strategies. This study aims to assess the influence of geographical variation and age-specific demographics on VPD incidence among the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC)-registered population in Qatar to inform immunization planning and address emerging gaps.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of Qatar's Ministry of Public Health surveillance data (2021-2024), supplemented by PHCC medical records, examined annual incidence rates of VPDs by age group and region. Cases included acute flaccid paralysis, chickenpox, mumps, measles, pertussis, rotavirus, and meningitis due to viral, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and bacterial non-meningococcal pathogens.

Results: Between 2021 and 2024, 5136 confirmed VPD cases were reported among PHCC-registered individuals. Chickenpox was most frequent, peaking in 2023 (1398 cases). Incidence was highest in children under 5 years old, particularly infants, for chickenpox (145.75/100,000), measles (66.35), pertussis (59.95), and rotavirus (47.61). Viral meningitis was concentrated in infants, with the Western region recording the highest rate (70.02). Regionally, chickenpox burden was greatest in the Central region, while pertussis, rotavirus, and measles rates were highest in the Western region. No statistically significant differences were observed between regions or across study years (P > 0.05 for all comparisons).

Conclusion: Age-specific disparities in VPD incidence were noted in Qatar, with the highest burden among children under 5 years and in the Western region. Chickenpox was the most reported disease, followed by pertussis, rotavirus, and viral meningitis. No statistically significant differences were observed between regions, suggesting equitable immunization delivery across PHCC. These findings highlight the need to sustain high vaccination coverage, enhance parent-focused health education, strengthen surveillance to detect immunity gaps, and improve data linkage across PHCC, private providers, and national surveillance systems.