Saudi Arabia is set to implement what is described as enhanced health protocols for Umrah pilgrims, involving rollout vaccinations to protect public health and safety for millions of attendees.
The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority has made announcements for certain vaccinations that must be done by all pilgrims which include, vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis, polio, yellow fever, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza.
The latest address made by the authority to all pilgrims indicated that all participants must be carrying health related documents to validate their completion of the vaccinations required to be taken.
According to africanews, This year, 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims will undertake Hajj under the agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The vaccination mandate forms part of collective efforts of the Saudi Arabia to ensure the health and safety of the millions who visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah each year for Umrah.
The arrangement guarantees top-notch facilities for these pilgrims, including unique accommodation in Mina at discounted prices.
Pilgrims coming from polio-endemic countries like Pakistan, Nigeria, and Afghanistan are cautioned to receive the polio vaccine.
All are advised to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika virus and dengue by wearing protective clothing and using insect repellents that contain DEET, IR3535, or Icaridin.
Pilgrims arriving from Angola, Nigeria, Brazil, and Congo will need to be vaccinated against yellow fever, COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), are now compulsory.
