Abu Dhabi: The Haj vaccination programme to raise awareness on the importance of pilgrims receiving vaccinations at least two weeks prior to their trip was launched on Saturday, the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) said.
The initiative has been announced in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) and urges travellers to take other preventative measures during and after Haj.
Pilgrims are required to get two vaccines: the quadruple meningococcal vaccine for protection against meningitis and seasonal influenza vaccine for protection against common influenza viruses.
Quadruple meningococcal vaccine is mandatory and the flu vaccine is highly recommended for everyone undertaking the pilgrimage. Pneumococcal vaccine is also recommended by HAAD to be given to specific groups.
Pilgrims can get the vaccinations from any of the 42 health-care facilities run under Seha. There are 14 in Abu Dhabi and the Central Region; 21 in the Eastern Region and seven in the Western Region. All pilgrims will be given a stamped vaccination certificate to be presented on entering Saudi Arabia.
Dr Omniyat Al Hajeri, Director, Public Health and Research, said: “Haj witnesses one of the largest gatherings of people as pilgrims are coming from all parts of the world in one location and, currently, there are many regions where certain infections are prevalent. Therefore, the spread of infectious diseases like meningitis and influenza is expected, and other health problems could occur such as food poisoning, heat fatigue and sunstroke.”
Ideally, Haj-goers are advised to receive these vaccinations one month in advance.
Meanwhile, Dr Farida Al Hosani, Manager of Communicable Disease Department at HAAD, said: “Adults over 65 years old, children under 12 years old, pregnant women, people with cancer or terminal illnesses, people with chronic diseases such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetics, or respiratory disease are advised to postpone the pilgrimage this year.”
Essential precautions that pilgrims must take during their stay at Makkah include washing their hands thoroughly with soap and water or other disinfectants especially after coughing or sneezing, eating healthy food and drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
People with low immunity should wear masks in crowded places to minimise the risk of respiratory infections and must carry their first aid kits with them.
Pilgrims should take enough rest and drink plenty of fluids after coming back from Haj; if they develop severe fever or cough then they should seek immediate medical attention and avoid contact with others.
For information on vaccines and vaccination centres visit www.haad.ae/vaccine or call 800555
