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Umrah pilgrims urged to get vaccinations

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Umrah pilgrims urged to get vaccinations

Dubai - The ministry has also advised pilgrims to follow health recommendations ahead of and during their stay, as a means to protect their health and wellbeing throughout their pilgrimage.

By Staff Reporter

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Published: Wed 8 Jun 2016, 9:20 PM

Last updated: Thu 9 Jun 2016, 12:52 AM

Checklist of vaccines
If you are planning to go for Umrah, you have to take vaccinations against:
> Meningitis
> Influenza
> Pneumococcal disease.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE has urged umrah pilgrims to head to primary health and preventive medicine centres to get vaccinated against infectious diseases. 
The ministry has also advised pilgrims to follow health recommendations ahead of and during their stay, as a means to protect their health and wellbeing throughout their pilgrimage. 
Dr Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for Health Centres and Clinics at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, said this campaign is to develop a preventive healthcare system within UAE society to ensure protection from and control of infectious diseases. This campaign is to safeguard Umrah pilgrims and their families against infectious diseases and prevent their spread in the society. 
The World Health Organisation (WHO) mandates vaccination against meningitis for all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Doctors and health experts have also recommended that Umrah pilgrims get vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcal disease. 
Pneumococcal disease is an infectious disease that poses a threat to people carrying the disease in their nasal passages, potentially exposing others to the risk of developing the disease through close contact via respiratory droplets that are sneezed or coughed and which can lead to other complications. Therefore, vaccination against pneumococcal disease is considered the most effective measure for the prevention of pneumonia. 
He noted that a work group has been established by the Health Centres and Clinics sector and comprises of the Preventive Medicine and International Health Regulation Departments, with active participation from Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (HAAD) and Dubai Health Authority (DHA). 
The work group was formed with the purpose of enhancing health awareness to ensure safe and healthy pilgrims and on the importance of preventing infectious diseases through pre-travel vaccinations and following health recommendations. 
Dr Omniyat Al Hajeri, Director of Public Health and Research, HAAD, urged all travelers to take necessary vaccinations at least two weeks ahead of their Umrah pilgrimage. These vaccines include meningococcal vaccination to prevent meningitis; seasonal influenza vaccine, which is strongly recommended; and pneumococcal vaccine to prevent pneumonia in people over the age of 65 who suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma and kidney diseases. 
Dr Nahid Youssef, Director of Preventive Medicine Division, DHA, reminded pilgrims of the importance of consulting their doctors ahead of travel to ensure that their health is in a stable condition. She also reminded people with chronic conditions to carry their medication as per the required dosage with them. 
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com



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