Vaccination drive for Haj pilgrims launched
UAE authorities have launched a drive to administer H1N1 vaccinations to Haj pilgrims from the country.
Abu Dhabi: UAE authorities have launched a drive to administer H1N1 vaccinations to Haj pilgrims from the country.
Health authorities, in cooperation with the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Awqaf, have also drawn up a comprehensive plan to deal with any emergencies during the current Haj season given the pandemic nature of the flu virus.
The plan has been evolved in coordination with the Directorate of Health Affairs in Makkah to ensure prompt medical attention for pilgrims from the moment they leave for Makkah till their return home.
Monitoring systems
The plan also provides for effective epidemiological surveillance systems with investigation of reported cases in communities and within the work environment during the pilgrimage season, besides health service delivery units at UAE Haj missions.
The plan also aims to keep in readiness and manage a strategic stockpile of antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment and other medical supplies along with the mobilisation of medical teams associated with the Haj mission. It also envisages the desired level of preparedness to treat infected patients in coordination with health authorities in Saudi Arabia in the event of an outbreak of the virus in the holy lands.
The operational plan of the campaign has been divided into three phases namely the Pre-departure period, Haj period and the Final phase.
The pre-departure phase makes it mandatory that each pilgrim be vaccinated against H1N1 and provided a certificate to the effect, failing which he/she will not be allowed to perform the Haj. This is in addition to the inoculation against meningitis, as per the rules of Saudi Arabia, while the seasonal flu vaccination is voluntary.
Haj pilgrims are being vaccinated through three centres that have been set up in Abu Dhabi, four in Dubai and 30 medical centres in the Northern Emirates.
The vaccine contains a disabled virus and stimulating components as well as preservatives and is not considered complementary or part of a course of medication for seasonal influenza virus. It is not recommended for people with a known allergy to eggs or to any kind of vaccine for seasonal flu.
People with allergies must make their condition very clear to health centres before receiving the vaccination.
