The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has stressed the need for people receiving appropriate vaccinations and following health and safety recommendations before being exposed to big crowds during a pilgrimage.
In this regard, the corporation will - on May 25 - start its vaccination campaign against meningitis, pneumonia and seasonal influenza for all those visiting Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Haj.
The risk of communicable and infectious diseases that can be spread by being in close proximity to other people is increased when there are large masses of people. So, it is critical - particularly during times of pilgrimage - to ensure that people receive proper vaccinations and also follow recommendations, such as those related to hand hygiene and cough etiquette, before being exposed to large crowds, PHCC has said in a statement.
Flora R Asuncion, PHCC assistant managing director, said: “PHCC health centres care for the well-being of people in our communities. This vaccination campaign is intended to raise awareness so that everyone who goes on the pilgrimage can do so with confidence that they have protection against some of the most common communicable diseases.
“It also offers protection against transmission of these diseases from us to our families who are living or interacting with us. For PHCC, the health of our citizens is the first priority and we work to ensure everyone’s wellness.”
Dr Juliet Ibrahim, PHCC executive director of Clinical Affairs, said: “In line with the Supreme Council of Health’s recommendations and guidance, receiving appropriate vaccinations is important to protect yourself and protect those around you. Vaccines are some of the most important ways we have to prevent infectious disease.”
Some vaccinations are compulsory such as meningococcal, which must be taken by all pilgrims over the age of two years.
Additionally, vaccination against seasonal influenza and pneumonia are highly recommended. All pilgrims - especially the elderly and those with chronic diseases - should consider taking the seasonal influenza vaccination as recommended.
Moreover, patients with chronic diseases, including sickle cell anaemia, and diseases of the liver, heart and lungs are recommended to take the pneumonia vaccination.
Other general health tips include using handkerchiefs when coughing or sneezing by covering the nose and mouth, and then eliminating them in the trash (bin). In case there are no handkerchiefs at hand, use the upper arms rather than hands; maintaining personal hygiene; staying well hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids; and washing fruits and vegetables properly before eating.
Vaccination Schedule
HEALTH CENTRE DAYS TIME
* Airport Tuesday & Thursday 7am to 2pm & 4pm to 10pm
* Al Muntazah Wednesday & Thursday 7am to 2pm & 4pm to 10pm
* Umm Ghuwailina Monday & Thursday 7am to 2pm & 4pm to 10pm
* OBK Monday & Thursday 7am to 2pm & 4pm to 10pm
* West Bay Sunday & Tuesday 7am to 2pm & 4pm to 10pm
* Al Wakrah Tuesday & Thursday 7am to 2pm & 4pm to 10pm
* Um Salal Tuesday & Thursday 7am to 2pm & 4pm to 10pm
* Al Gharafa Sunday & Tuesday 7am to 2pm & 4pm to 10pm
* Madinat Khalifa Monday & Thursday 7am to 2pm & 4pm to 10pm
* Al Dayeen Wednesday 7am to 2pm & 4pm to 10pm
* Al Khor Tuesday & Thursday 7am to 2pm & 4pm to 10pm
* Al Shamal Monday & Thursday Mon: 7am to 2pm,
Thurs: 4pm to 10pm
* Al Rayyan Monday & Thursday 7am to 2pm & 4pm to 10pm
* Mesaimeer Sunday to Thursday 7am to 2pm & 4pm to 10pm
Saturday 8am to 1pm
* Abu Nakhla Sunday & Wednesday 7am to 2pm & 3pm to 9pm
* Al Sheehaniya Tuesday & Thursday 7am to 5pm
* Abu Bakr al-Siddiq Sunday & Wednesday 7am to 2pm & 4pm to 10pm
Dr Juliet Ibrahim
