Haj pilgrims required to take two vaccines

The Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (Haad), the regulatory body of the healthcare sector in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, announced on Saturday the 2010 vaccine requirements for taking part in Haj.

Dr Farida Al Hosani, Acting Section Head of Communicable Diseases at Haad, said: "Two vaccinations would be given to the Haj pilgrims this year - one is the seasonal flu vaccine, which also provides protection against the H1N1 flu virus, and the second is meningococcal that provide protection against meningitis.”

She emphasised the importance of taking the vaccines two weeks prior to travelling so that they provide maximum strength and immunity to the body and that all Haj pilgrims are required to take these at one time.

Dr Farida said: "All pilgrims must show proof of the vaccination for seasonal flu and meningococcal vaccination on a valid certificate of vaccination (International Certificate of Vaccination or Authorised Vaccination Card) before entering Saudi Arabia to perform Haj.

"Each year millions of people travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Haj. Because of the sheer number of pilgrims, and their close proximity to each other in crowded sites, diseases - particularly the bacteria that cause meningitis - can spread quickly between the pilgrims.”

In line with Haad's priority to prevent and control communicable diseases in the community, the Haj vaccination is available free of charge in a large number of clinics throughout the emirate, said a release.

Haad will distribute educational material about Haj to health care facilities to increase awareness about Haj recommendations and requirements.

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