Highlighting the significance of vaccination, the United Arab Emirates’s Health and Prevention Ministry has declared a mandatory taking of all vaccination doses, particularly the influenza vaccine before the pilgrims travel to perform Umrah and Hajj rituals.
The Health and Prevention Ministry expressed that starting from March 26, the pilgrims who are traveling to Umrah and Hajj need influenza vaccination cards. This measure is taken as a part of the ministry's dedication to safeguard the health and safety of Umrah pilgrims, Hajj pilgrims, their families, and all sections of the society from infectious diseases.
The ministry suggests that pilgrims visit the health center in advance before they depart the country, particularly those individuals with chronic conditions. The vaccinations are accessible at both government health centers and private hospitals.
The Health and Prevention Ministry advised that vaccination should be administered at least 10 days before their travel date to ensure the effectiveness and immunity of the vaccine. It also suggested people with chronic health conditions should consult their doctor to confirm their health condition before traveling for Umrah and Hajj and recommended the pilgrims manage their sufficient medicines, suggest immunization, and participate in regular exercises.
The ministry also made clear that the individuals who have received the influenza vaccine within the past year do not need a new vaccine and they can show their vaccination card at travel checkpoints. The vaccination cards are available through the AI Hosn app.
The ministry has given health guidelines:-
1. Frequently wash hands with soap and water
2. Evade touching nose, eyes and mouth
3. When coughing or sneezing cover your nose and mouth
4. Keep a safe distance from people who are having symptoms
5. Evade direct contact with ill people
Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman AI Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health said that by confirming that Hajj and Umrah pilgrims receive the influenza vaccine, they are not just following protocol, they are diligently safeguarding the most vulnerable among them, including the elderly, those with chronic conditions and pregnant or lactating women. He also said that this initiative is a testimony to the collective achievements of various state institutions which committed to the health and safety of pilgrims, aspiring to protect their society from the adverse effects of infectious and chronic diseases.
In accordance with the national vaccination policy, the UAE launched a campaign to vaccinate pilgrims against influenza. Dr. Nada AI Marzouqi, the director of the Public Health and Prevention Department, exhorted all Umrah and Hajj pilgrims to take the required vaccinations.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Lavanya Beeraboina/MSM)
