Pilgrims advised to vaccinate before leaving for Haj

Dubai - Ministry of Health is recommending early vaccinations as part of its efforts to promote awareness on the importance of controlling infectious diseases during Haj.

Pilgrims travelling to holy city of Makkah must vaccinate themselves against meningitis at least four weeks before they leave for Haj, according to Ministry of Health.
The vaccinations will be administered free for both expatriates and UAE nationals in primary health clinics (PHC) and immunisation centres across Abu Dhabi, if they have a Ministry of Health card. Residents can avail the same from PHCs in Dubai for a marginal cost.
However, Ministry of Health is recommending early vaccinations as part of its efforts to promote awareness on the importance of controlling infectious diseases during Haj. The ministry is specifically focusing on the burden of pneumococcal disease and role of early vaccination.
Pilgrims should undertake precautionary measures against pneumonia, meningitis, respiratory tract infections, tuberculosis, viral infections, community-acquired pneumonia, blood borne diseases and food poisoning, which can lead to hospitalisation and further fatalities.
 
"The quadruple meningococcal vaccine is mandatory by law of Saudi Arabia to protect people against meningitis, we also recommend seasonal influenza and pneumococcal," said Dr Fatma Al Attar, Head of International Health Regulation, Ministry of Health. Hajj is the largest mass gathering in the world, drawing around two to three million Muslims from more than 180 countries worldwide, which can pose a major health concern due to importation or exportation of infectious diseases, which could spread from pilgrims to the local population. The officials also discussed the looming threat of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (Mers) in Saudi Arabia, where people were advised to take influenza vaccinations to boost immunity.
Dr Laila Hussain Al Jasmi, Head Immunisation Section, Preventive Medicine Department, Health Centres and Clinics Sector, Ministry of Health said: "Pilgrims will be given a valid certificate after they've been vaccinated against meningitis and have to carry to carry it with them throughout the journey."
The vaccine is valid for three years. Dr Al Attar added the understanding of the potential of adult vaccination in prevention of diseases and awareness on pneumococcal diseases is very low in the region, posing a major cause of concern. Pneumococcal disease can be a serious threat, with individuals who carry the bacteria in their nasal passages, exposing others to the risk of developing the disease through close contact.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com