Saudi Arabia makes vaccine mandatory for hajj pilgrims

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia asked the Hajj pilgrims to take two vaccines -- one against influenza (H1N1) and the other against seasonal influenza -- stating it mandatory.
“The Hajj pilgrims should take at least one of them if the other is not available before their departure,” said a press release issued by the Embassy of Saudi Embassy in Dhaka, which requested Bangladesh to make the pilgrims aware about the vaccination.
It is Bangladesh government's responsibility to inform the embassy of Saudi Arabia immediately to stop visa issuance for Hajj if the two vaccines or any one of them is not available, it noted.
Hajj visa will not be issued to heart, kidney and respiratory system, neuralgia, diabetes patients as well as to people with chronic diseases, immune deficiency, and pregnant and excessive fatty people, the release added.
Each Hajj and Umrah pilgrim and seasonal workers have to take Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination at least before 10 days of their entry to the kingdom, the release also said.
The Hajj pilgrims should be aware of the contagious disease with its symptoms, way of spreading and protection from it in particular about the influenza.
The release said carrying foodstuffs by pilgrims to the Kingdom is prohibited if those are not in air-tight pots.
In case of health emergency as per the international rules, the Saudi health authority can take actions in coordination with international health organisation, the press release also added.