Get vaccinated on time, Haj pilgrims told

Dh250 is cost of vaccines for those living in Dubai, Northern Emirates while it is free for those in Abu Dhabi

The UAE has launched a health and safety drive for Hajj pilgrims with a stress on timely vaccinations and personal well-being.
Between 4,000 and 5,000 pilgrims from the UAE will undertake the annual Muslim ritual in Saudi Arabia expected to start on September 9.
The campaign was rolled out on Sunday by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), in cooperation with Health Authority-Abu Dhabi (HAAD) and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
"It is important to get the right medical advice before going on the pilgrimage," said Dr Fatma Al Attar, Director, International Health Regulations Office at the ministry.
In the Western region, HAAD has 41 centres where pilgrims can get vaccinations. Vaccinations are also available at 10 DHA centres in Dubai. While the vaccines are free of cost for Emiratis and expatriates in Abu Dhabi, those living in Dubai and Northern Emirates will have to pay up to Dh250.
Vaccination is compulsory for meningitis while doctors also recommend prevention against seasonal flu and pneumonia.
"People are likely to face heat exhaustion and physical stress which can increase the chances of developing certain diseases while performing Hajj rituals," said Dr Fatma, adding that was important to stick to a healthy diet.
Despite an emergence of communicable diseases such as Zika and MERs, officials said all preventive measures were in place. "All airplanes coming into and leaving Saudi Arabia and even the UAE are sprayed for the mosquito that carries Zika. This is a major preventive step that governments are taking to prevent the spread of diseases during such mass gatherings," said Dr Farida Al Hosani, Manager, Communicable Diseases Department, Public Health, HAAD.
The campaign focuses on the well-being of pilgrims, especially elderly individuals who could suffer from chronic illnesses and cardiovascular diseases.
The UAE's medical team for Haj headed by Dr Essam Howayyer, Head of Accident and Emergency at Al Qassimi Hospital is already prepared. "We start work as soon as the previous Hajj season is over," he said. "We will make sure all pilgrims reach Makkah and are back here in good health."
The campaign includes medical advice on heat exhaustion, awareness on healthy foods, personal care and provision of emergency medicine.
Dr Laila Al Jasmi, Head of Immunisation Section, Preventive Medicine Department at the ministry said it is mandatory to take the meningitis vaccine and obtain a valid International Certificate of Vaccination.
Nahed Al Yousef, Head of Preventive Services Centre at DHA said if pilgrims do not take the recommended vaccines before travelling to Hajj, there is risk for disease outbreak during Hajj season that may even lead to outbreaks due to transmission to pilgrims' countries.
Health officials also advised pilgrims to consult with the nearest primary healthcare physician to be sure of his/her medical fitness to travel for Hajj.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE