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Swine Flu Advice for Hajj Advice

Friday 16 October 2009 SMC

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The Saudi government has issued swine flu advice for people considering the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages this year. The elderly, pregnant women, the chronically ill and children are advised not to take part this year. You will also need to prove that you have been vaccinated against seasonal flu before applying for a visa. 
Performing the Hajj and Umrah
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Saudi government advise that the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases and children should postpone the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages this year for their own safety.  You should be aware that there is a high likelihood of transmission of swine flu in the course of the pilgrimage. Although health care facilities for the Hajj are generally of a high standard, it is possible that, due to the large number of pilgrims, the healthcare available might be less than would normally be expected in western countries for people who are vulnerable to complications.

 Vaccinations for the Hajj
The Saudi government has advised that pilgrims planning to attend the Hajj must be vaccinated against seasonal flu at least two weeks before applying for a visa. The Saudi Embassy will require you to provide proof of vaccination when you apply for your visa. Travellers should note that seasonal flu vaccination will not offer protection against swine flu. The vaccine will only be available in the UK from late September, so there may be only a short time in which to get vaccinated. You will be able to pay for a seasonal flu vaccination from a high street chemist, other retailer or travel clinic. The NHS seasonal flu vaccination programme is available to people in high risk groups and the elderly. However, it may not be available in time for some pilgrims, depending on their travel arrangements. In such cases they too will need to obtain their vaccination privately. Those that do receive their vaccination from the NHS programme will need to ask for a certificate of vaccination, and a charge may be made for this. If you are in these categories, you should also note the WHO and Saudi government travel advice not to embark on a pilgrimage this year.  The Saudi government has also advised that pilgrims must be vaccinated against swine flu when the vaccine becomes universally available. The UK will prioritise swine flu vaccine for those most at risk of developing complications from catching flu. It is therefore very unlikely that swine flu vaccine will be universally available before the date of the Hajj. 
Screening and quarantine
Passengers are currently screened on arrival at all ports of entry into Saudi Arabia and. If you are suspected to have swine flu you will be temporarily quarantined. If you test positive you will be admitted to hospital for isolation.  
Treatment for swine flu at the Hajj
If you develop flu-like symptoms while you are away, seek immediate advice from the nearest Saudi medical facility. The Saudi government has stockpiles of antivirals in preparation for the Hajj. Anyone who contracts pandemic flu while in Saudi Arabia will be given access free of charge to medication and treatment.

Other considerations
You may also wish to consider the following

  • the risks of close contact with others who might be infectious with swine flu
  • the potential health service pressures if many pilgrims become unwell with swine flu in Saudi Arabia
  • access to medical and specialist medical care in a foreign country
  • that you may become separated from your family if you become unwell and are placed in quarantine
  • if you become unwell, you may not be allowed to fly until you have recovered 

Editor’s note
After the official recommendation from UK government source, I leave the following note for Somali Hajjis this year from UK and around the world. Please do not leave the preparation of your trip only in the hands of tour operators and do not run doing all errands last minute. Please do not put your self in vulnerable position at the mercy of immigration and health officers who have as their primary role to protect their country from the flu.  Please take an active role in your preparations for the Hajj and take on board all the advice. The last thing you need is to end up in quarantine in some hospital. This is not only a Saudi government initiative but WHO (World Health Organisation) is also recommending.

Hashim Duale
Hashim.duale@gmail.com


Somaliweyn Media Center “SMC”

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