Kuwait starts Hajj-linked vaccinations

Cairo: Kuwait has announced the onset of mandatory vaccination for Muslim pilgrims planning to travel to Saudi Arabia to undertake the annual Hajj pilgrimage due early next month.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health said the Hajj-linked inoculation services and the issuance of related certificates are conducted at all preventive health departments in the country in accordance with the recommendations set by Saudi authorities.

The vaccinations include inoculation against meningitis, and COVID-19 – at least one updated dose for the 2024-2025 season, according to the ministry.

It has also recommended receiving vaccination against seasonal influenza and bacterial pneumonia vaccination (for specific groups).

The ministry has stressed the importance of vaccinating those accompanying (or in close contact with) the pilgrims’ families, especially those who have not obtained the meningitis vaccine over the past five years. At least one dose is required.

It is, moreover, recommended to update vaccinations against such diseases as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, chickenpox, and mumps.

All vaccines are available free of charge at the government-run health centres across Kuwait. Pilgrims are required to receive vaccination at least 10 days before travel to Saudi Arabia.

Hundreds of thousands of Muslims from around the world annually converge on Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj, one of Islam’s five obligatory duties, in and around Mecca.