The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has announced the health requirements for Haj vaccinations for the 1446 AH (2025) season, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims to the Holy Mosque and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque.These measures are designed to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals safely while minimizing the risks of infectious diseases and their complications.The MoPH clarified that the required vaccines for this year include the mandatory meningococcal (quadrivalent ACYW-135) vaccine for all pilgrims. The Covid-19 vaccine is compulsory for those at higher risk, such as pilgrims over 65 years of age, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions including chronic heart or respiratory diseases, chronic kidney failure, hereditary blood disorders (such as sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia), congenital or acquired immunodeficiency (including those on immunosuppressive medications or with cancer), and chronic neurological diseases.The ministry also recommends the Covid-19 vaccine for all individuals aged 18 and above and advises all pilgrims to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine.It highlighted that the vaccination or immunization against Covid-19 is demonstrated by the individual having received at least one of the following: a single dose of the updated Covid-19 vaccines for the 2024-2025 season, or the completion of the primary doses (two or more doses between 2021 and 2023), or recovery from a laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 infection during 2024.In addition, MoPH also recommends that all pilgrims receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Additional optional vaccines are available to protect the elderly and those most at risk of complications, such as the pneumococcal vaccine for individuals aged 65 and over, as well as those aged 18 to 64 with chronic diseases or risk factors, including diabetes, sickle cell anaemia, kidney failure, immunodeficiency, splenectomy, chronic respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, and smokers.The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine is also recommended for those aged 60 and above.The ministry affirmed that all Haj vaccines are available at primary healthcare centers throughout the country, emphasizing the importance of receiving the required vaccinations at least 10 days prior to traveling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Director of Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control Department, Dr Hamad Eid Al Rumaihi stated: 'We urge all Qatari pilgrims to adhere to preventive measures and obtain the required vaccines for their health and safety, to reduce the risk of infectious diseases transmitted through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. The risk of transmission increases during Haj and Umrah seasons due to overcrowding, which we advise to avoid as much as possible'.He further encouraged those with chronic illnesses to consult their doctor well in advance of travel and to ensure they have sufficient medication for the entire trip.'The Ministry of Public Health is committed to taking all necessary measures to protect the health and safety of Qatari pilgrims. This is in line with the National Health Strategy 2024-2030, which prioritises proactive disease prevention, including the uptake of required vaccines. This approach helps reduce the disease burden in the country and supports the goal of improving population health and wellbeing', Dr. Al Rumaihi added.In collaboration with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), MoPH has also issued the Pilgrim's Health Guide, which includes essential health, preventive, and educational instructions to be followed before, during, and after performing Haj rituals.MoPH underscored that for further inquiries, the unified health sector call center can be reached at 16000, or through accessing the Haj Health Guide by visiting the Ministry of Public Health's website.
April 29, 2025 | 05:24 PM