Thursday, Jun 09, 2016

Dubai: The Ministry of Health and Prevention in UAE has called on Umrah pilgrims during Ramadan to get themselves vaccinated against infectious diseases at designated primary health and preventive medicine centres, said a ministry official.

The ministry is working in line with the immunisation recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The WHO mandates vaccination against meningitis for all Haj and Umrah pilgrims.

Doctors and health experts have also recommended that Umrah pilgrims get vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcal disease, the latter being an infectious disease that poses a threat for 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.

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

Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, assistant undersecretary for Health Centres and Clinics at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, said: “This campaign is in alignment with the ministry’s strategic efforts to develop a preventive health-care system within the UAE society to ensure protection from and control of infectious diseases. The efforts aim to safeguard Umrah pilgrims and their families against infectious diseases and prevent their spread in the society.”

He noted that the work group, established by the Health Centres and Clinics sector, comprises 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 stressing the importance of preventing infectious diseases through pre-travel vaccinations and following health recommendations.

Dr Omniyat Al Hajeri, director of Public Health and Research, Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD), said that as prevention is better than cure, HAAD urges all travellers to take the necessary vaccinations at least two weeks ahead of their Umrah pilgrimage. These vaccines include meningococcal vaccination, 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, kidney diseases as well as those with low immunity.

Dr Nahid Yousuf, director of Preventive Medicine Division at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), reminded pilgrims of the importance of consulting their doctors ahead of travel to ensure that their health is in stable condition. She also reminded people with chronic conditions to carry their medication as per the required dosage with them. Additionally, Dr Yousuf highlighted the importance of those with chronic diseases and elderly travellers taking vaccines to boost their immunity, In case pilgrims experience any symptoms during their stay, they can take pain killers and fever medication until they consult a doctor.

Staff Report

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