Dubai: The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention ( MOHP) in collaboration with the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD) and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) announced the launch of the health and safety awareness campaign for Haj pilgrims on Monday.
Over 5,000 Haj pilgrims are expected to travel to Saudi Arabia this season from the UAE and the meningococcal vaccine is mandatory while others such as pneumococcal and influenza vaccine are recommended.
The HAAD officials said that the vaccines will be administered free of charge to all Haj pilgrims in Abu Dhabi, while those with Ministry of Health and Prevention health cards too will be provided vaccination free of charge. In Dubai, the DHA officials said certain insurances cover these vaccinations while others will have to pay. The mandatory meningococcal vaccine is priced at Dh250.
Health officials advised that all pilgrims must take the mandatory vaccine a minimum of two weeks before travel, it can be taken a month before travel, but never a week before travel as it will not be effective.
A list of designated primary health care centers from all three authorities has been provided.
Many other health and safety measures were also announced to manage typical diseases that occur due to overcrowding.
