The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has advised Hajj and Umrah pilgrims traveling from the Maldives to complete the required vaccinations prior to their departure.
The recommendation aims to protect the pilgrims from diseases as millions of people from all over the world gather in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage. It also seeks to limit the risk of spreading diseases upon their return to the Maldives.
The vaccines required for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims are the meningococcal conjugate vaccine, influenza vaccine, and oral polio vaccine.
The HPA said all Hajj and Umrah service providers as well as individual travelers must ensure that they complete their vaccinations within the stipulated time. The vaccines must be completed at least 14 days prior to departure to receive full protection.
The HPA said vaccination requirements are based on the prevalence of diseases and the risk of transmission in the Maldives. Depending on advancements in vaccine development and changes in the prevalence of some diseases, vaccine requirements may change, and the information will be made public in that case.