Visitors and fans during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 are recommended to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and seasonal influenza prior to their arrival in Doha.
The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has suggested the visitors to ensure their vaccination status is up to date as it will help to have an enjoyable stay during the tournament.
The Ministry in its website’s new ‘Fan Health Information’ page’s Pre-Travel Advice section said: “It is recommended that all visitors to Qatar are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including all booster does for which they are eligible, prior to arrival. It is recommended that all visitors to Qatar receive their seasonal influenza vaccination prior to arrival.”
The Ministry also recommends visitors to keep them updated about latest information on COVID-19 in Qatar, including the COVID-19 Travel Policy, by visiting the Ministry’s COVID-19 website.
The Ministry’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 fan information page provides a wide range of health information for football fans coming to Qatar from abroad.
MoPH has also recommended visitors have a routine health check with a medical professional within 6 weeks prior to traveling to Qatar.
“This will help identify any underlying health issues and provide peace of mind for visitors. This should also include a dental check-up,” the Ministry has said.
All visitors during Qatar 2022 are also advised to be aware of their blood group, which is especially important when traveling abroad.
“Make sure you know your blood group and write it down on a document and keep it safe with other health documents,” the Ministry has said.
Visitors are also recommended to bring their adequate supplies of prescribed medication to cover their period of stay. However, they can purchase over the counter medication at any pharmacy in the country. For those visitors who wear glasses the Ministry also advises to bring at least two pairs of glasses, just in case one pair gets lost or damaged.
The ‘Fan Health Information’ page also include information about health care services in Qatar, pre-travel advice, COVID-19 information & travel policy, mental health helpline, a safe and healthy tournament.
It has said that Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Urgent Consultation Service provides telephone consultation and medical support for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions can be accessed by fans during the tournament by calling 16000. The service operates from 7am to 3pm, seven days a week.
Also fans can access the National Mental Health Helpline, which provides support for people experiencing stress, anxiety and other emotional distress. The confidential helpline is staffed by a team of mental health professionals who can provide assessment and support to callers.