Jakarta (ANTARA) - Meningitis vaccine is still recommended for Umrah pilgrims with comorbidities despite it no longer being mandatory for Umrah pilgrims, spokesperson of the Ministry of Health Mohammad Syahril stated.
"Considering the importance of meningitis vaccination as part of protection and prevention against dangerous diseases, pilgrims, who have comorbidities, are still recommended to take the meningitis vaccination," he noted here on Tuesday.
Syahril said the Ministry of Health had stipulated that meningitis vaccination is no longer a requirement for people to partake in the Umrah pilgrimage, albeit it is still mandatory for Hajj pilgrims.
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This decision is based on Circular Letter Number HK.02.02/C.I/9325/2022 concerning the Implementation of Meningitis Vaccination for Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims, which was issued on November 11, 2022.
Although it is not mandatory, meningococcal meningitis vaccination and other vaccinations are still recommended for Umrah pilgrims with comorbidities. Vaccination can be taken at health facilities that provide international vaccination services.
Syahril noted that the meningitis vaccine aims to offer protection against risks of illness, especially as the risk is high in mass gatherings comprising people from various parts of the world.
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Earlier, meningococcal meningitis vaccination was a must for those visiting Saudi Arabia using Hajj and Umrah visas.
The requirement is part of the efforts to provide protection as well as prevent the transmission of diseases.
However, based on a diplomatic note from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, dated November 7, 2022, and a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs number 211-1246, the Government of Saudi Arabia has provided easing, one of which is the meningitis vaccination that is no longer mandatory for Umrah pilgrims.
"In principle, we follow the regulation that has been set, with the hopes that the pilgrims can conduct worship activities peacefully and smoothly and return to the country (Indonesia) in a healthy condition," the spokesperson remarked.
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