Mass gatherings like Hajj and Umrah are associated with distinct health hazards due to the vast numbers of people present. Every year in early summer, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health (MoH) publishes the entrance visa requirements and recommendations for pilgrims and seasonal workers planning to visit the Kingdom for the upcoming Hajj and Umrah seasons. Year to year, requirements and suggestions may fluctuate. Continue reading to find out what Hajj and Umrah vaccines in Glenrothes you need.
The yearly pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which takes place between the 8th and 12th days of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the world’s largest mass gatherings. The Hajj in 2022 will take place between July 7 and July 12.
Every year, roughly 3 million Muslims from all over the world congregate in Makkah for Hajj. If they can afford it, all adult, able-bodied Muslims are obligated to perform Hajj at least once in a lifetime. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah declared on April 9, 2022, that permission to perform Hajj 20221443H would be limited to 1 million domestic and international pilgrims, with each country receiving a quota of pilgrims authorised to visit Saudi Arabia.
Umrah is a shorter, non-obligatory Muslim pilgrimage that is carried out as part of the Hajj rite but can be done at any time. British citizens who desire to do Umrah should pay attention to announcements on the FCDO‘s official social media platforms as well as local authorities’ advice.
Preparation for pilgrimage (Hajj and Umrah vaccines in Glenrothes)
Pilgrims should perhaps obtain medical advice before undertaking any travel prior to or after performing the Hajj or Umrah.
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A large gathering in the case of COVID-19 could accelerate the virus’s transmission and perhaps disrupt the host country’s response capacity. As a result, pilgrims must follow the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia authorities’ prevention and control procedures to decrease the risk of transmission and the consequent impact on health facilities. Among them are:
- Limitations on crowd size and management of crowd movement
- Physical distancing
- Cough/respiratory etiquette
- Hand washing procedures
Pilgrims should make sure they have received all routine vaccinations, and should see their healthcare provider at least 4 to 6 weeks before conducting Hajj for guidance on vaccinations, and other precautions like malaria prevention, water and food, heat exhaustion, insect bite risks and injury prevention.
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The Hajj ceremonies are difficult to do because they require long walks in hot weather. Before travelling, pilgrims should verify that they really are physically fit, and those with pre-existing medical concerns should consult their medical practitioner about the suitability of the trip. If they are taking prescription medicine, they should bring enough to last the duration of their trip, plus some additional doses in case of delays, as well as proof of their prescription.
Hajj and Umrah vaccines in Glenrothes
The below list of criteria is based on what has been required of Hajj pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia in past years.
Meningococcal vaccine
Anyone performing Hajj or Umrah, or doing seasonal labour, must show proof of meningococcal disease immunisation (in the form of a vaccination certificate). The vaccination details should be included in the certificate.
Polio
Travellers travelling from nations with active transmission of cVDPV2 (circulating wild or vaccine-derived poliovirus), as well as nations at risk of polio reintroduction, must have a certified polio vaccination certificate, according to the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health.
Hepatitis B
The hepatitis B virus can be spread through the skin or through sexual contact. Percutaneous transmission can happen when infected medical, dental, or other devices are used; all pilgrims should look into getting a hepatitis B vaccine before leaving.
Rabies
Rabies is a threat in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims should be warned of the dangers of coming into contact with domestic or wild animals, and to seek immediate medical attention if they are bitten, licked, or scratched.
Influenza
Influenza is spread through the lungs and through direct or indirect contact with surfaces where the virus has been introduced by coughing or sneezing. It is easily spread in crowded environments.
Is the Covid Vaccine one of the Hajj and Umrah vaccines in Glenrothes?
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah declared on April 9th, 2022, that in order to perform Hajj, pilgrims must have proof of:
- Having received Saudi Ministry of Health-approved COVID-19 vaccinations.
- A negative COVID-19 PCR test result within 72 hours of leaving for Saudi Arabia.
Before travelling, residents and tourists will need to fill out a Registration Immunisation Form on the Muqeem Portal.
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This blog post was written on behalf of Cadham Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.
