DOHA: The Ministry of Public Health has issuedvaccination guidelines for Hajj pilgrims for the year 1445H (2024).
According to the ministry, all individuals aged one year and above must receive the mandatory Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine (Quadrivalent ACYW). For children aged 6-12 months, the Conjugate Quadrivalent ACYW vaccine (Nimenrix) is recommended, administered in two injections two months apart.
The ministry also strongly recommends additional vaccines: the Seasonal Influenza vaccine, the Pneumococcal vaccine, and the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccine.
The Seasonal Influenza vaccine is available for everyone aged six months and older.
The Pneumococcal vaccine is specifically recommended for individuals over 65 years and high-risk persons.
High-risk groups between 18 and 64 years include those with chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes, sickle cell anemia, renal failure, immunodeficiency, splenectomy, chronic respiratory or cardiovascular disease), heavy smokers, and immunocompromised individuals.
For the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccine, the ministry advises that all individuals aged 12 years and above should get vaccinated.
These measures aim to ensure the health and safety of pilgrims during their spiritual journey.
