By: Thalia Kaylyn Averil
Indonesia targets to send 241.000 Hajj pilgrims this year, which will be divided into two groups. The first group will depart to Amir Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz International Airport (AMAA) in Medina on May 12th–23rd 2024. The next group will depart to King Abdul Aziz International Airport (KAAIA) in Jeddah on May 21st 2024 to June 1st 2024. However, several preparations need to be made before Hajj, one of which is vaccination. The international vaccination program is one way the government protects its people. Vaccination aims to prevent and control diseases that can occur in certain situations, such as during Hajj or Umrah, travel to or from countries with endemic diseases, or during outbreaks. Under certain conditions, requests from the destination country may also be taken into account.
Here are some vaccines required for Hajj pilgrims:
- COVID-19 vaccine
Indonesians planning for Hajj pilgrimage are required to receive a COVID-19 booster vaccine as a minimum departure requirement according to Satgas COVID-19 regulations. The recommended time interval between doses of the COVID-19 vaccine is around 8–12 weeks, but there is no maximum limit for receiving the next dose. This time interval is necessary to allow the immune system to respond to the vaccine effectively. To receive a booster vaccine, you can wait around 4–6 months after your previous vaccine. If you have COVID-19, you should wait three months before getting your next vaccine. Hajj pilgrims who cannot receive the COVID-19 vaccine due to their medical conditions can use a certificate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Saudi Arabia recognizes vaccines from Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Oxford/AstraZeneca, and BioNTech/Pfizer.
- Meningitis vaccine
Meningitis is an infection and inflammation that occurs in the membranes and fluid covering the brain and spinal cord, with symptoms such as headache, fever and neck stiffness. Meningitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi. Based on the diplomatic note of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on November 7 2022 and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs letter number 211-1246, individuals arriving in Saudi Arabia with a Hajj visa are required to show a certificate indicating that they have received the meningitis vaccine (ACYW135). Adults and children over 2 years of age should receive one dose of meningitis vaccine (ACYW135). This certificate must be issued no more than 3 years and no less than 10 days before arrival. In 1987, 2000, and 2001, outbreaks of meningococci, which can cause meningitis, spread when pilgrims returned to their home countries, causing illness among the local population. Therefore, the meningitis vaccine is a preventive measure provided by the government to protect Hajj pilgrims from this disease.
- Yellow fever vaccine
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a virus spread by infected mosquitoes. This disease can cause various symptoms, such as fever, body aches, and even liver damage accompanied by bleeding and yellowing of the skin. Pilgrims aged over 9 months must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate if they are from tropical and subtropical countries. The certificate should show that the pilgrim received the vaccine between 10 days and 10 years before arrival.
- Polio vaccine
Polio or poliomyelitis is a disease caused by a virus that spreads easily between individuals. This disease can affect the spinal cord, leading to paralysis. Pilgrims coming from countries that have reported polio cases in the last 12 months must receive one dose of polio vaccine, regardless of age or vaccine status. Pilgrims from those countries must have a certificate of oral polio vaccine or inactivated poliovirus vaccine at least 6 weeks before departure to obtain an entry visa to Saudi Arabia. The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stated that pilgrims under 15 years of age and coming from countries that have reported polio cases will receive one additional dose of oral polio vaccine at Saudi Arabia. In Indonesia, polio cases were reported in Central Java and East Java so Hajj pilgrims from these provinces are required to get the polio vaccine. This vaccine aims to reduce the potential for polio to spread to other people.
- Influenza vaccine
Influenza and pneumonia vaccines can be an alternative to support the health of the Hajj pilgrims. According to the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health, Hajj pilgrims are recommended to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine before arriving in Saudi Arabia. This vaccine is mainly given to Hajj pilgrims who are at higher risk of developing severe influenza, such as pregnant women, children under 5 years, the elderly, and Hajj pilgrims with certain health conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, asthma, and heart or lung disease.
If you plan for Hajj pilgrimage, it is important to prepare for a safe journey, one of which is by getting vaccinated. You can come to Abdi Waluyo Hospital to receive all the vaccines required for the Hajj. To receive vaccination, you must be in good health and not have any serious medical conditions. Consult the following with your healthcare professional before you get vaccinated.
Resources
- Vitiara MB. Rencana perjalanan haji 1445 H terbit, kloter pertama berangkat 12 Mei 2024 [Internet]. Jakarta: Direktorat Jenderal Penyelenggaraan Haji dan Umrah; 2024 Jan 18 [cited 2024 Apr 16]. Available from: https://haji.kemenag.go.id/v5/detail/rencana-perjalanan-haji-1445-h-terbit-kloter-pertama-berangkat-12-mei-2024
- The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Hajj and umrah health requirements [Internet]. Washington DC: The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; date of publication unknown [cited 2024 Apr 16]. Available from: https://www.saudiembassy.net/hajj-and-umrah-health-requirements
- Kantor Kementerian Agama Kabupaten Seruyan. Vaksin COVID-19 menjadi syarat keberangkatan haji [Internet]. Kalimantan Tengah: Kantor Kementerian Agama Kabupaten Seruyan; 2024 Jan 8 [cited 2024 Apr 16]. Available from: https://kalteng.kemenag.go.id/seruyan/berita/521529/vaksin-COVID-19-menjadi-syarat-keberangkatan-haji
- Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia. Pelaksanaan vaksinasi meningitis bagi jamaah haji dan umrah [Internet]. Jakarta: Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia; 2022 Nov 11 [cited 2024 Apr 16]. Available from: https://sehatnegeriku.kemkes.go.id/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SE-No-HK.02.02C.I93252022-Tentang-Pelaksanaan-Vaksinasi-Meningitis.pdf.pdf
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Vaccine Safety. Is there a minimum and maximum time interval between COVID-19 vaccine doses? [Internet]. Galicia: WHO Collaborating Centre for Vaccine Safety; 2023 Mar 17 [cited 2024 Apr 16]. Available from: https://www.covid19infovaccines.com/en-posts/is-there-a-minimum-and-maximum-time-interval-between-covid-19-vaccine-doses
