Pilgrims urged to take vaccinations before going to Mecca

DUBAI // Pilgrims travelling to Mecca are being advised to take the necessary vaccinations in order to reduce the risk of catching an infectious disease.

The Health Authority – Abu Dhabi, or Haad, has launched a Hajj and Umrah vaccination programme, in response to fears over the spread of Mers. The vaccinations will be free of charge to Abu Dhabi residents.

“While the quadruple meningococcal vaccine is mandatory by law of Saudi Arabia to protect people against meningitis, we also recommend seasonal influenza and pneumococcal,” said Dr Farida Al Hosani, manager of the Communicable Disease Department at Haad.

“The latter is particularly important for the following groups: people with weak immune system; 65 years and above and patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart problem, lung problem (including asthma), liver problem and kidney problem.”

Travellers are advised to get their injections preferably four weeks before travel and at the latest two weeks.

People are advised to wear masks and change them regularly. Old people, young children, pregnant women, people with cancer or other diseases which affect their immune system are urged not to attend Hajj and Umrah because they are more susceptible to Mers than others.

newsdesk@thenational.ae

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Pilgrims urged to take vaccinations before going to Mecca

The Health Authority - Abu Dhabi, has launched a Hajj and Umrah vaccination programme, in response to fears over the spread of Mers. The vaccinations will be free of charge to Abu Dhabi residents.

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Know your cyber adversaries