Saudi Arabia Vaccine Market

Saudi Arabia Vaccine Market Size and Share:

The Saudi Arabia vaccine market size was valued at USD 522 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 670 Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 2.82% from 2025-2033. The strong government initiatives under Vision 2030, expanding immunization campaigns targeting various age groups, increasing public awareness about disease prevention, strategic global partnerships, investments in local vaccine production, and a focus on enhancing healthcare infrastructure are some of the factors significantly propelling the market growth.

Saudi Arabia's government has a significant role in the country's vaccine market through healthy initiatives and policies. The government focuses on vaccination programs as part of its Vision 2030 health goals, which include public health improvement and universal healthcare coverage. The MOH continuously implements nationwide vaccination campaigns, making vaccines available to both citizens and residents. This aside, the immunization efforts by the MOH have produced high rates. For example, at the beginning of the 1990s, the coverages for BCG, DPT, and polio vaccines were at 97.5%, and 94.3% respectively. Finally, the strategic steps Saudi has taken in vaccine acquisition, which was well presented in handling COVID-19 vaccination, will definitely improve the market. These government-backed initiatives focus on preventative healthcare, increase vaccine coverage, and strengthen market demand across pediatric, adult, and travel vaccines.

In addition to this, awareness and health education in Saudi Arabia are a major contributor to the growth of the vaccine market. Public awareness campaigns, digital media, and healthcare outreach programs have empowered citizens with knowledge about the importance of immunization. This increasing awareness of vaccine benefits has diminished hesitation and increased vaccination rates, especially in urban areas. Education of the population about diseases that can be prevented through vaccination and working together with healthcare professionals have encouraged more people to go for immunization. Such efforts have led to a high rate of vaccination coverage, such as the BCG vaccine at 96% and the third dose of the DTP vaccine at 97%. Increasing health awareness results in growing demand for vaccines, not only for infectious diseases such as influenza but also for non-communicable diseases such as cancer.

Saudi Arabia Vaccine Market Trends:

Increased focus on COVID-19 vaccines

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected Saudi Arabia's vaccine market by emphasizing fast vaccination and public health protection. In October2023, over 68.5 million vaccine doses were administered, bringing the vaccination rate up to around 74.27%. Saudi Arabia was among the earliest countries to purchase and implement the vaccines with an intention to obtain herd immunity. This move to prioritize COVID-19 vaccination has resulted in unprecedented growth, including setting up wide-spread networks for distribution and vaccination centers across the country. Rallies have led to increased demand within the country for vaccines and also the possibility of booster shots gaining strong ground. Moreover, the COVID-19 vaccine boom has spurred vaccine research and expedited collaboration with international pharmaceutical firms to make Saudi Arabia a leading player in regional vaccine distribution networks.

Increasing need for preventive vaccines

In spite of the high uptake of vaccines under the Health Sector Transformation Program as well as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, the uptake rates of specific vaccines are inconsistent in the country. For instance, though HPV vaccinations have seen many people getting into them in the past years, certain vaccines like that of pertussis are mostly undercovered having only a low of 7% in the kingdom and less than 16% worldwide. Similarly, coverage of the meningococcal vaccine stands at 20%. However, it varies very much across the region, and in Oman, coverage is just 3%, whereas in Bahrain, it reaches up to 50%. Such disparity is the reflection of how widespread immunization could not be reached for various vaccine types, though awareness and expansion of the vaccination program both among children and adults are gaining ground according to the national health goals.

Strategic partnerships and local production:

Saudi Arabia is strategically focusing on enhancing vaccine accessibility and local production capabilities through key partnerships with global pharmaceutical companies. In September 2023, the government allocated SAR 500 million ($133 million) to establish a factory aimed at boosting local vaccine and medicine manufacturing capacity. These efforts are part of the broader initiative to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, ensuring vaccine availability, especially during emergencies. Alongside local manufacturing, Saudi Arabia is also focusing on strengthening research and development (R&D) infrastructure to foster a self-sustaining vaccine industry. This push towards domestic production is expected to enhance market competitiveness, lower vaccine costs, and ensure timely availability of vaccines for emerging health threats. Through these strategic initiatives, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a regional leader in vaccine production and distribution, further advancing its health sector goals in vaccine market in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia Vaccine Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the Saudi Arabia vaccine market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on product type, treatment type, technology, route of administration, patient type, indication, distribution channel, and end user.

Analysis by Product Type:

• Multivalent Vaccine
• Monovalent Vaccine

Multivalent vaccines are designed to target multiple strains or types of a pathogen in a single formulation. They provide broad-spectrum immunity, reducing the need for multiple doses. Commonly used for diseases with diverse strains, these vaccines enhance efficiency in immunization programs by offering comprehensive protection, especially in areas with high pathogen variability.

Besides this, the monovalent vaccines target a single strain or type of a pathogen. They are designed for specific immunization needs, offering focused protection against a particular disease. These vaccines are particularly effective in addressing outbreaks or diseases caused by a dominant pathogen strain, ensuring targeted and reliable immunity for specific health threats.

Analysis by Treatment Type:

• Preventive Vaccine
• Therapeutic Vaccine

Preventive vaccines protect the individual against particular infectious diseases through the establishment of immunity prior to exposure. Activating the immune system reduces the likelihood of an outbreak and subsequent transmission of disease. Preventive vaccines are very common in use for measles, influenza, and polio among others, as they are considered a keystone of public health immunization efforts.

Besides, the therapeutic vaccines are prepared for the treatment of existing diseases through the boosting of the body's immune response against a disease. Unlike preventive vaccines, they focus on managing or eradicating chronic infections, cancers, or other diseases. These vaccines are used in areas such as oncology, targeting conditions like cervical cancer or melanoma through immune system activation.

Analysis by Technology:

• Conjugate Vaccines
• Inactivated and Subunit Vaccines
• Live Attenuated Vaccines
• Recombinant Vaccines
• Toxoid Vaccines
• Others

Conjugate vaccines link antigens to carrier proteins to boost the immune response, especially in infants and young children. Effective against diseases like meningitis and pneumonia, they improve protection by making the pathogen more recognizable to the immune system, addressing challenges posed by weak or immature immune systems.

In line with this, the inactivated vaccines use killed pathogens, while subunit vaccines include only specific parts of a pathogen, such as proteins. Both are safer alternatives with minimal side effects, widely used for diseases like hepatitis B and influenza. These vaccines are ideal for individuals with compromised immunity due to their non-replicating nature.

Conjugate vaccines combine antigens with carrier proteins to enhance immune response, particularly in infants and young children. They mimic natural infections, providing long-lasting immunity with a single or few doses. Commonly used for diseases like measles and chickenpox, they require careful handling to maintain potency and may not suit immunocompromised individuals.

Moreover, the recombinant vaccines are produced using genetic engineering to create antigens without live pathogens. This advanced technology enables targeted immunity with fewer side effects. Widely used for diseases like HPV and hepatitis B, they offer high safety profiles and scalability, suitable for global immunization efforts.

Besides this, the toxoid vaccines target bacterial toxins instead of the bacteria itself. They neutralize harmful toxins produced by pathogens, providing immunity against diseases like tetanus and diphtheria. These vaccines are stable and effective, requiring booster doses for prolonged immunity, and are often integrated into combination immunization schedules.

Also, the other vaccine technologies include DNA, RNA, and vector-based vaccines. DNA and RNA vaccines, as seen in COVID-19 efforts, use genetic material to produce antigens, offering rapid scalability. Vector-based vaccines employ harmless viruses to deliver antigens, enhancing immune response. These emerging methods provide versatility and adaptability in vaccine development.

Analysis by Route of Administration:

• Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Administration
• Oral Administration
• Others

Intramuscular and subcutaneous vaccine administration involves injecting vaccines directly into muscle or under the skin. These methods ensure rapid and effective absorption, commonly used for vaccines like influenza, hepatitis, and tetanus. Intramuscular routes are preferred for high efficacy, while subcutaneous delivery suits vaccines requiring slower immune system activation.

Moreover, the oral vaccine administration delivers immunization through ingestion, offering a non-invasive, user-friendly alternative. Commonly used for vaccines like polio and rotavirus, this method enhances accessibility, particularly in large-scale immunization campaigns. Oral administration is ideal for children and communities with limited healthcare infrastructure, reducing needle-related challenges and promoting compliance.

Along with this, the other routes of vaccine administration include intradermal, nasal, and intravenous methods, tailored for specific vaccine types or populations. Intradermal injections target the skin's layers for efficient immune response, while nasal sprays provide mucosal immunity against respiratory diseases like influenza. These alternative routes enhance delivery precision and expand vaccination options.

Analysis by Patient Type:

• Pediatric
• Adult

Pediatric vaccines are designed to protect infants, children, and adolescents from infectious diseases. These vaccines are critical in early childhood immunization programs, covering diseases like measles, polio, and hepatitis B. Pediatric vaccines are tailored for the developing immune system, offering protection from common childhood diseases and preventing outbreaks.

Furthermore, the adult vaccines are intended to protect older individuals from diseases like influenza, pneumonia, and shingles. These vaccines address the immune system's reduced response with age and include booster doses to maintain immunity. Adults may also receive vaccines for travel-related diseases and other conditions requiring updated immunization throughout their lives.

Analysis by Indication:

• Bacterial Diseases
  • Meningococcal Disease
  • Pneumococcal Disease
  • Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DPT)
  • Tuberculosis
  • Haemophilus Influenzae (Hib)
  • Typhoid
  • Others
• Viral Diseases
  • Hepatitis
  • Influenza
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR)
  • Rotavirus
  • Herpes Zoster
  • Varicella
  • Japanese Encephalitis
  • Rubella
  • Polio
  • Rabies
  • Dengue
  • Others

Vaccines for bacterial diseases target infections caused by harmful bacteria. These vaccines help prevent diseases like tuberculosis, tetanus, and meningitis. By inducing immunity against specific bacteria, these vaccines prevent severe complications, hospitalizations, and fatalities, contributing to global public health efforts in controlling bacterial infections.

Apart from this, the viral disease vaccines protect against infections caused by viruses, such as influenza, hepatitis, and HIV. These vaccines stimulate the immune system to recognize and fight viral pathogens, reducing the risk of infection and severe illness. They play a vital role in global vaccination programs for controlling epidemics and pandemics.

Analysis by Distribution Channel:

• Hospital Pharmacies
• Retail Pharmacies
• Institutional Sales
• Others

Hospital pharmacies are critical in providing vaccines to patients during hospital visits or admissions. They administer vaccines as part of treatment protocols or vaccination campaigns within the healthcare facility. These pharmacies ensure proper storage, handling, and timely administration of vaccines to both inpatients and outpatients.

Concurrently, the retail pharmacies are important distribution points for vaccines, offering them for routine immunizations and flu shots. They provide convenient access to vaccines for the general population, with healthcare professionals available for administration. Retail pharmacies contribute to increasing vaccination rates by offering walk-in services and extended hours for immunization.

In addition to this, the institutional sales refer to vaccines sold directly to large healthcare institutions like hospitals, clinics, and public health organizations. These entities purchase vaccines in bulk for immunization programs, ensuring widespread vaccination coverage. Institutional sales facilitate organized distribution for mass vaccination campaigns, especially in governmental and non-profit sectors.

Alongside this, the other routes of administration include mobile clinics, NGOs, and vaccination drives. These methods ensure vaccines are accessible in underserved regions, especially in emergencies or epidemics. Outreach programs and mobile units deliver vaccines directly to communities, increasing coverage and ensuring equitable access to immunization services across diverse populations.

Analysis by End User:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Vaccination Centers
• Academic and Research Institutes
• Others

Hospitals are key providers of vaccines, administering them to patients in need of urgent care, preventive health, and immunization schedules. Hospitals offer a comprehensive range of vaccines, including those for chronic illnesses, infectious diseases, and pre-surgery immunizations, contributing to broader healthcare and disease prevention efforts.

Meanwhile, the clinics play a significant role in administering vaccines for routine immunizations, travel health, and preventive care. They serve both pediatric and adult populations, offering personalized services with quick access. Clinics are critical in promoting health awareness and ensuring timely vaccination for various diseases at the local level.

Also, the vaccination centers focus solely on the administration of vaccines for mass immunization campaigns, including seasonal vaccines and public health initiatives. These centers are strategically located to improve access, particularly during outbreaks or special vaccination drives, enhancing efficiency in managing large-scale immunization efforts.

Besides this, the academic and research institutes are instrumental in developing new vaccines, conducting clinical trials, and advancing vaccine technologies. These institutes collaborate with government bodies and pharmaceutical companies to improve vaccine efficacy, safety, and availability, often influencing vaccine policies and innovations on a global scale.

However, other venues, such as pharmacies, mobile vaccination units, and NGOs, contribute to vaccine distribution and administration. They help extend vaccine accessibility, especially in rural or underserved areas, and support public health efforts during emergencies, reaching populations that may otherwise face barriers to healthcare access.

Regional Analysis:

• Northern and Central Region
• Western Region
• Eastern Region
• Southern Region

The Northern and Central Region of Saudi Arabia is a key area for vaccine distribution, with significant urban populations. Healthcare infrastructure is well-developed, with access to hospitals, clinics, and vaccination centers, contributing to strong vaccination coverage. These regions also see high demand for vaccines due to their economic and educational centers.

Moreover, the Western Region, including Mecca and Jeddah, has a diverse population, including religious pilgrims. The high influx of travelers enhances the demand for vaccines such as those for meningitis and influenza. Vaccination efforts are robust, focusing on public health safety, with several healthcare facilities and vaccination campaigns in place.

Apart from this, the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia, home to major industrial centers, sees a higher demand for vaccines due to its population density and significant healthcare infrastructure. Efforts in immunization are bolstered by public-private partnerships, ensuring accessible vaccination services for the local workforce and surrounding communities, especially in the oil sector.

Furthermore, the Southern Region faces more challenges in vaccine distribution due to its geographical expanse and rural communities. However, government efforts and mobile vaccination units have improved access to vaccines. Public health initiatives are focused on increasing vaccination rates and providing essential healthcare services to underserved populations in remote areas.

Competitive Landscape:

The Saudi Arabia vaccine market would be highly competitive as a result of participation from the large global pharmaceuticals companies in addition to local players. The international players dominate the market through partnerships and vaccine supply agreements by the government, benefiting from advanced research capabilities besides already established production networks. The local manufacturers have begun looking to increase their capacities for vaccines to reduce reliance on imports. These domestic players are investing in infrastructure and research for vaccines tailored to regional needs. Competition is further driven by increasing technology-driven distribution channels and logistics for efficient delivery of vaccines. The market is marked by continued collaborations with an aim to enhance accessibility, affordability, and a range of vaccines across various healthcare segments.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the Saudi Arabia vaccine market with detailed profiles of all major companies.

Latest News and Developments:

• In November 2024, the Ministry of Health launched a nationwide measles and rubella vaccination campaign on November 3, 2024, aiming to eliminate these diseases by 2028 under Saudi Vision 2030. Targeting individuals aged 6 months to 18 years, the campaign includes vaccinations in healthcare centers, kindergartens, schools, and technical institutes. The initiative supports the Health Sector Transformation Program, enhances herd immunity, and raises awareness about the importance of vaccination for public health.

Saudi Arabia Vaccine Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the Saudi Arabia vaccine market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Saudi Arabia vaccine market.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the Saudi Arabia vaccine industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.