All about haj vaccinations
IF you are travelling to Saudi Arabia for the haj pilgrimage, you are required to get vaccination against infectious diseases. The haj season is one of the most geographically and ethnically diverse mass gatherings in the world and this presents a concern.
It is encouraged for haj pilgrims to take preventive vaccination to build up the body’s resistance against diseases. Below are the recommended immunisations for haj pilgrims:
Meningococcal Quadrivalent (ACYW-135) Vaccine
– Meningococcal disease is caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria.
– It is transmitted through respiratory droplets and close contact (i.e. sneezing, coughing, etc).
– Meningococcal vaccine is mandatory as required by the Saudi Arabia government to all pilgrims to protect against meningitis.
– Failure to provide proof of vaccination against meningitis will result in pilgrims being unable to obtain their haj visa.
– This vaccine must be taken at least two weeks before departure for haj.
– This vaccine provides immunity for two years.
Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
– Influenza is a contagious disease transmitted through respiratory droplets (flu, coughing, sneezing, talking) or direct contact with any surface or object that has the flu virus.
– Influenza vaccine protects against Influenza A (H1N1), Influenza A (H3N2) and Influenza B virus.
– It is best taken one month before departure for haj.
– Pilgrims with health problems (i.e. asthma, diabetes, lung or kidney diseases and endocrine disorders) are encouraged to take this vaccine.
– This vaccine must be taken at least two weeks before departure for haj. – This vaccine provides immunity for one year.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
– Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumonia.
– It is transmitted through coughing, sneezing and contact with respiratory discharge of an infected person.
– It can lead to serious infection of the lungs (pneumonia), the blood (bacteremia/sepsis) or the lining of the brain (meningitis).
– Pilgrims with health problems (i.e. asthma, diabetes, lung or kidney diseases and endocrine disorders) are encouraged to take this vaccine.
– This vaccine must be taken at least two weeks before departure for haj.
– This vaccine provides immunity for five years.
It is important to know your current health condition and take necessary precautions. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, get your health check-up to ensure that you are well enough to perform the haj.
This article is contributed by KPJ Selangor Specialist Hospital consultant respiratory physician, Dr Hamidah Shaban.
■ Interested in haj / Umrah vaccination? Call the Special Diagnostic Unit (SDU) at 03–5543 1111 for an appointment.
Visit www.kpjselangor.com for further details.
KKLIU No.1218/2018