SAUDI HEALTH MINISTRY URGES DOMESTIC PILGRIMS TO GET VACCINATED FOR SAFE, HEALTHY HAJJ SEASON

By Administrators On May 15, 2024

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has issued a statement urging domestic pilgrims to get vaccinated before embarking on this year’s Hajj to ensure a safe and healthy experience for all.

According to the ministry, domestic pilgrims should have one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine administered in 1445 AH (2023-2024), one dose of the seasonal influenza vaccine administered in the same year, and one dose of the meningococcal vaccine administered within the past five years.

The ministry said these vaccinations are readily available at primary healthcare centers throughout the Kingdom. Local pilgrims can conveniently schedule appointments through the Sehhaty app.

The ministry said it is important to get vaccinated in view of the large gatherings during Hajj, when people from all over the world come together, increasing the risk of infectious diseases.

“The Ministry of Health called on pilgrims coming from inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and wishing to perform Hajj this year, to take and complete vaccination doses well in advance, and document them in Sehhaty application.

“The mandatory vaccinations are one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine given during 1445 AH, one dose of the influenza vaccine given during 1445 AH, and one dose of the meningitis vaccine given during the past five years to ensure the health of domestic pilgrims and the other pilgrims who are performing Hajj this year.

“The Ministry of Health pointed out that vaccinations for domestic pilgrims are available in primary health care centers, and those wishing to perform Hajj this year must book an appointment through Sehhaty application. Pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must review the health requirements on the Saudi Ministry of Health portal, Click here.

“The Ministry attributed the completion of vaccinations before Hajj to the fact that the Hajj season brings together large crowds of people coming from all over of the world performing the same rituals in one place, which may expose them to infection with many infectious diseases spread in some countries of the world.

“The MOH explained that the pilgrim must take vaccinations and adhere to the health requirements and guidelines set by the “MOH” before arriving at the Holy Sites. This will help protecting the pilgrim from contracting various diseases that could hinder the completion of the Hajj rituals, protecting the other pilgrims and those serving them, in addition to performing and completing rituals in a safe manner, and allowing those coming from abroad to enter the Kingdom and the holy sites.

“The most prominent Hajj vaccinations for pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom include vaccination against Neisseria meningitis, which protects against a serious bacterial infection that affects the brain and spinal cord and is transmitted by respiratory droplets, in addition to vaccination against yellow fever, which protects against a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, besides vaccination against poliomyelitis.

“The MOH recommended the importance of completing immunization with vaccines approved in the Kingdom, including vaccination against the Covid-19 and seasonal influenza, in addition to updating immunization against targeted diseases with basic immunizations such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, chicken pox, and mumps. Noting that those coming from outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can view the health requirements here.