Health Ministry urges pre-Hajj vaccinations via Sehhaty

The Ministry of Health urged individuals in Saudi Arabia who plan to go on Hajj this year to receive their vaccination shots beforehand and to register them via the Sehhaty app, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The required vaccinations include a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and one of the influenza vaccine taken this year, along with a dose of the meningitis vaccine taken within the past five years. These vaccines are crucial for the well-being of pilgrims during Hajj.

The ministry said that vaccinations for domestic pilgrims are available at primary health care centers. Those intending to perform Hajj this year should schedule an appointment through the Sehhaty app.

Completing vaccinations before Hajj is essential due to the gathering of large crowds from around the world performing rituals in one place, which may expose them to infection with numerous contagious diseases prevalent in certain countries, the ministry said.

Following health guidelines before arriving at the holy sites protects both pilgrims and service workers, helping to safeguard against diseases that could disrupt Hajj rituals. Doing so also ensures the safety of individuals arriving from abroad to the Kingdom.

Pilgrims from outside the Kingdom must obtain specific vaccinations before Hajj, including for meningococcal disease, yellow fever and polio.

The ministry stressed the necessity of only using approved vaccines in the Kingdom, including those against COVID-19 and seasonal influenza, as well as updating vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox.