Abu Dhabi: Pilgrims travelling to Makkah for Umrah or Haj must ensure that they get the required vaccines at least two weeks before they travel, the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (Haad) has said.
The vaccine against meningitis is mandated by Saudi health authorities to process pilgrimage visas. Haad also recommends the seasonal flu vaccine, as well as a vaccination against pneuomococcal diseases for people aged 65 and above, for those facing chronic diseases and for people with weakened immune systems.
The month of Ramadan sees about 75,000 pilgrims travel from the UAE to perform Umrah. At this time, Saudi Arabia’s holy sites in Makkah and Madinah are crowded with pilgrims from all over the world. Local news reports indicate that each Ramadan, about 500,000 pilgrims are allowed to perform Umrah by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Haj and Umrah.
Vaccinations are available in the emirate of Abu Dhabi at most health-care facilities, and are free of charge for the emirate’s residents. Dr Farida Al Hosani, manager of communicable diseases at Haad, said that the shots protect people from common health concerns that could arise in mass gatherings.
This year, in a bid to prevent the spread of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (Mers-CoV), the Saudi Ministry of Health has also urged those with chronic diseases, as well as pregnant women, individuals aged 65 and above and those under 12 years, to postpone plans for Umrah and Haj. The Mers-CoV has so far infected the greatest number of people in Saudi Arabia, and the country has also seen the greatest number of fatalities due to the virus.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also advised that pregnant women and elderly people should refrain from going to Umrah as a precaution against Mers.
After getting the vaccinations, pilgrims are advised to collect valid stamped certificates from the health-care facilities. Dr Farida also recommended that they get a basic medical check from their doctors a month before travelling,
Bal Arabi Alyurabi, owner of the Muwaddah Travel Agency for Haj and Umrah, testified to the heightened interest in Umrah travel during Ramadan, especially during the last ten sacred days of the month.
“The number of applications are usually three times higher during Ramadan compared to other months. But this year, we are cautioning vulnerable and immuno-compromised individuals to reconsider going for the pilgrimage, as instructed by health authorities,” he told Gulf News.
Soon after Ramadan, pilgrims start leaving for Haj, the fifth pillar of Islam mandatory for those who can physically and financially afford to undertake it. Haj is expected to take place in the beginning of October. This year, based on a quota set by the Saudi Arabian Ministry, the UAE can send 4,985 pilgrims for Haj, Alyurabi said.
The Haad statement also advised pilgrims to take basic precautions against infectious diseases, including regularly washing hands and wearing masks in crowded areas. Carrying a first aid kit at all times is also recommended, and the pack should contain essential items such as gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes and hand sanitiser.
