Vaccines available for free for Haj pilgrims

Prospective pilgrims will get vaccines free of charge at a number of health centres across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, a senior official at the Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (Haad), announced today. Announcing the mandatory vaccine requirements for this season of Haj, Dr Farida Al Hosani, Head of Communicable Diseases at Haad, told the media that would-be pilgrims will be given shots of vaccines for Meningococcal, seasonal flu, and other Dr. Farida emphasized on the importance of taking these vaccines two weeks prior to travelling to the holy lands so that they provide maximum strength and immunity for the body and that all Haj pilgrims are required to take these at one time. She added: "All pilgrims must show proof of the vaccinations for seasonal flu and meningococcal on a valid certificate of vaccination (International Certificate of Vaccination or Authorized Vaccination Card) before entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform Al Haj". "In line with Haad's priority to prevent and control communicable diseases in the community, the Al Hajj vaccination is available free of charge in a large number of clinics throughout the emirate,"she stressed. Haad will distribute educational material about Haj to healthcare facilities to increase awareness about Haj recommendations and requirements.