Administering meningitis and ACYW135, polio vaccines must for Hujjaj

ISLAMABAD, May 26 (APP):Administering meningitis,polio vaccine would be mandatory for intending Hujjaj to protect them from viral diseases.

An official of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony said as per directives of the Saudi authorities the intending pilgrims would have to carry with them medical certificates of administering the vaccines while departing for the Hajj.

Talking to APP, he said as many as 200,000 intending pilgrims would perform the forthcoming Hajj under the government and private schemes.

The Ministry would send 107,000 plus intending pilgrims for Hajj while remaining will be sent through Hajj Group Organizers (HGOs), he added.

Responding to a question, he said the entire Hajj operation would be conducted and completed in accordance with the prescribed schedule.

The applicant must submit proof of vaccination for meningitis and ACYW135. For infants and children up to 15 years of age, a vaccination report is required for polio, as well as meningitis. Children over 15 years of age should present the same vaccinations requested for adults. The certificate of vaccination should have been issued not more than three years and not less than 10 days prior to entering Saudi Arabia.

The ministry has made arrangements to vaccinate pilgrims at their respective Haji camps before leaving to Saudi Arabia.