Umrah Travelers Asked to Get Vaccinated Early

The Health Authority — Abu Dhabi, the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (HAAD), Haj and Umrah vaccination programme is part of the its ‘Vaccination is Essential’ programme aimed at raising public awareness on the importance of immunization to avoid catching infectious diseases as a result of overcrowding of pilgrims at Makkah.

The vaccination service is available free of charge for the residents in the emirate. The list of healthcare facilities for pilgrims can be found at www.haad.ae/vaccine or by calling Abu Dhabi contact centre 800555.

Vaccines include Quadruple Meningococcal vaccine to protect people against meningitis, Seasonal Influenza and Pneumococcal. The latter is particularly important for the following groups — people with a weak immune system; 65 years and above; and patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart, lung (including asthma), liver, kidney (problems).

In addition to vaccination, hygienic habits should be practiced to prevent catching respiratory illnesses. These include:

1. Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water or gel disinfectants (hand sanitizer), especially after coughing or sneezing, using of toilets, and before and after handling and preparation of foods.
2. Covering nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and discard of the tissue in the in the trash.
3. Avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, and wearing face mask in crowded areas, replace it as per the instructions of the manufacturing company and wash hands after removal.
4. Visiting the nearest health center if symptoms of fever or coughing continues for 2 weeks after arrival from Umrah.

According to 2014 HAAD statistics for, 63,000 persons received Meningococcal Vaccine. In 2015 and up till end of May, about 30,000 persons received Meningococcal vaccine.