The Hajj 2019 Vaccine Requirements and Possible New Challenges

Abstract

Each year millions of pilgrims perform the annual Hajj from more than 180 countries around the world. This is one of the largest mass gathering events and may result in the occurrence and spread of infectious diseases. As such, there are mandatory vaccinations for the pilgrims such as meningococcal vaccines. The 2019 annual Hajj will take place during August 8–13, 2019. Thus, we review the recommended and mandated vaccinations for the 2019 Hajj and Umrah. The mandatory vaccines required to secure the visa include the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine for all pilgrims, while yellow fever, and poliomyelitis vaccines are required for pilgrims coming from countries endemic or with disease activity. The recommended vaccines are influenza, pneumococcal, in addition to full compliance with basic vaccines for all pilgrims against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, and mumps. It is imperative to continue surveillance for the spread of antimicrobial resistance and occurrence of all infectious diseases causing outbreaks across the globe in the last year, like Zika virus, MDR-Typhoid, Nipah, Ebola, cholera, chikungunya and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus.

Assessment of Preventative Measures Practice among Umrah Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, 1440H-2019

“…The Saudi Arabian health authorities require proof of poliomyelitis vaccination from at least four weeks before arrival from pilgrims who are traveling from poliomyelitis reporting countries. This is an issue returned to again and again over the years by research teams including Memish et al (2012a,2012b,2014, 2016, 2019), considering infectious disease prevention during Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages [ 8 , 22 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Of note, free polio vaccination is administered to pilgrims by Saudi Arabian MOH at the entry ports to promote the aim of world eradication of polio [ 7 ].…”

“…The Saudi Arabian MOH has created an easy read guide to Hajj for Umrah pilgrims that comprises important information about vaccinations required and other preventative and precautionary measures [ 1 , 7 ]. These measures are founded in research following year on year Umrah pilgrimages [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ].…”

The Emergence, Persistence, and Dissemination of Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria in Environmental Hajj Settings and Implications for Public Health

“…One important method to decrease the risk of antimicrobial-resistant organisms is vaccination that would decrease the risk of infection and thus the use of antimicrobial therapy. The Saudi ministry of health annually revise the recommendations for the utilization of vaccines during the Hajj [ 6 , 99 ]. These vaccines include the required and recommended vaccines.…”

Mass gatherings: a review of the scope for meningococcal vaccination in the Indian context

“…Free healthcare is provided to all attendees and public health teams assess arriving pilgrims, check their immunization status, and administer recommended prophylactic medicines. 8,9 Different communicable diseases are monitored, including invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in response to previous IMD outbreaks among pilgrims and close contacts. 10 IMD is primarily transmitted via direct contact or through the dispersion of respiratory droplets from an infected to a susceptible individual.…”