Doha, Qatar: Emphasizing the importance of vaccination before traveling to Saudi Arabia for Haj, the Ministry of Public Health has issued guidelines on mandatory and recommended vaccines.
The Ministry stated that the conjugate quadrivalent (ACWY) vaccine against meningococcal meningitis is mandatory for all individuals aged 1 year and above. For those in the age group of 6-12 months, the vaccine can be administered in two doses, given two months apart.
Additionally, the Ministry recommends vaccines for seasonal influenza, pneumococcal disease, and COVID-19.
The influenza vaccine is advised for individuals aged 6 months and above. The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for senior citizens above 65 years and other high-risk individuals, including those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, sickle cell anemia, renal failure, chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, heavy smokers, or immunocompromised persons.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for all individuals aged 12 years and above.
The Ministry stressed the importance of healthy and fully prepared individuals embarking on this pilgrimage to ensure their bodies are ready for the physical stress and health risks associated with large gatherings.
