Stay Safe: Ministry of Health Urges Hajj Pilgrims to Get Vaccinated
In a bid to ensure the health and safety of Hajj pilgrims this year, the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia is urging individuals to get vaccinated before embarking on their journey. According to the Saudi Press Agency, pilgrims are required to receive a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the influenza vaccine for this year and the meningitis vaccine taken within the past five years.
Easy Access to Vaccinations
Domestic pilgrims can easily access these vaccinations at primary health care centers. To schedule an appointment, they can use the Sehhaty app. Completing these vaccinations before Hajj is crucial, especially with the large crowds expected to gather from around the world, increasing the risk of exposure to contagious diseases.
Protecting Pilgrims and Service Workers
Following health guidelines before arriving at the holy sites is not only beneficial for the well-being of the pilgrims but also for the service workers. This helps in safeguarding against diseases that could potentially disrupt the Hajj rituals and ensures the safety of individuals arriving from abroad to the Kingdom.
Specific Vaccinations for International Pilgrims
Pilgrims from outside the Kingdom must obtain specific vaccinations before Hajj, including those for meningococcal disease, yellow fever, and polio. The ministry emphasizes the use of approved vaccines in the Kingdom, such as those against COVID-19 and seasonal influenza, along with updating vaccinations against other diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox.