PHCC focuses on vaccination for pilgrims

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 ScheduleHEALTH 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