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Directives for Haj, Umrah pilgrims

ABU DHABI — The Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued instructions to ensure compliance of UAE residents intending to go for Umrah and Haj this year with the health terms and conditions set by the Saudi health authorities.

A circular sent by the ministry to directors of departments concerned yesterday said the Saudi authorities called for intensifying health awareness programmes for pilgrims before they arrive at the holy land, to ensure that they complied with the proper health practices in terms of accommodation, food, beverages and personal hygiene. They also called for continuation of implementing the vaccination programme ACYW-135 for Meningococcal disease Menomune. Taking this vaccine is a pre-requisite for obtaining an entry visa for Umrah and Haj for 1425 Hijri, the circular said, adding that the vaccine should be taken not less than 10 days and not more than three years before entry into the Kingdom. Vaccination should be like follows:

Adults and children above two years of old should take the quadrivalent vaccine.

All Umrah and Haj missions should give the pilgrims Rifampicin or Ciprofloxacin before they leave the Haj districts, in order to prevent communicating diseases after they leave the holy land.

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