The Primary Health Care Corporation, through the Department of Communicable Diseases of the Department of Infection Control, has announced that all the vaccinations required for Haj or Umrah are available free of charge in all of its 31 health centres across the country.
The Ministry of Haj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia indicated that there are no restrictions imposed on the numbers of pilgrims this year and it would be what they were before the Covid-19 pandemic, with no age restriction.
The requirement is to complete immunisation with basic doses of approved Covid-19 vaccines provided that it is not less than two doses for the pilgrim wishing to perform the pilgrimage this year. Pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia must provide a valid vaccination certificate proving receipt of the required vaccinations, stressing the need for pilgrims to adhere to precautionary measures while performing Haj to protect their health and safety.
PHCC stressed the importance of taking vaccinations well ahead of Haj (10 days or more before travel) to prevent some infectious diseases, as vaccinations vary between what is mandatory and what is optional.