Haj pilgrims need to get meningococcal, flu and Covid-19 jabs before trip

Singapore pilgrims making the haj pilgrimage to Mecca need to get meningococcal, influenza and Covid-19 vaccinations before leaving for Saudi Arabia.

- Gabrielle Andres

The Ministry of Health and the Communicable Diseases Agency, in a joint statement on May 9, said pilgrims must show proof of getting a single shot of the updated Covid-19 vaccine for the 2024-2025 season or completing a primary vaccination series or laboratory-confirmed recovery from an infection in 2024.

The updated advisory was issued after consulting the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, or Muis, the statement added.

Pilgrims must also get the meningococcal vaccine — which protects against illnesses like meningitis, septicaemia and pneumonia — at least 10 days before departure, and the influenza jab not more than 12 months before travelling.