Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has released new health guidelines for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage. These rules are designed to keep everyone healthy and safe during this important religious event. Here’s what you need to know.
Mandatory Vaccinations
Meningococcal Meningitis: Anyone over one year old must get this vaccine at least 10 days before arriving in Saudi Arabia. This applies to travelers from all countries.
Polio: Pilgrims from countries with polio cases need the polio vaccine. This includes those where wild poliovirus or certain types of vaccine-derived poliovirus are found.
Yellow Fever: Travelers older than nine months from countries at risk of yellow fever must be vaccinated before coming to Saudi Arabia.
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Recommended Vaccinations
COVID-19: People aged 12 and above are encouraged to update their COVID-19 vaccines before the pilgrimage.
Seasonal Influenza: High-risk groups, such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, should get the flu shot.
Polio: Similar to the mandatory requirement, this vaccine is also recommended for those from regions with specific types of polio virus in the environment.
Additional Preventive Measures at Hajj
Saudi authorities might give preventive antibiotics and oral polio vaccines at entry points for travelers from certain countries. They might also require the disinfection of aircraft and ships coming from affected areas to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
General Health Tips
Hajj Pilgrims with chronic health issues should bring their medical records and enough medication for the trip. It’s also important for everyone to be up-to-date with all their vaccines.
Preventing Illnesses
To avoid getting sick, pilgrims should follow guidelines to prevent respiratory infections, food and water-borne diseases, heat-related illnesses, and mosquito-borne diseases like Zika and dengue fever.
The ministry will monitor health conditions closely and take necessary actions if any public health emergencies arise.
For more detailed information on the health requirements for Hajj 2024, visit the official Ministry of Health website.
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