KUWAIT: As the hajj season nears, people in Kuwait embarking on the sacred pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia are preparing for the taxing spiritual and physical journey. Here’s a list of health protocols that those travelling for hajj and umrah must adhere to this year as outlined by both Saudi and Kuwait health authorities.

Vaccines

Pilgrims are required to be vaccinated against meningitis (ACW135Y) and COVID-19 with vaccines approved by the Saudi Ministry of Health. All vaccines used in Kuwait are recognized by Saudi authorities. The seasonal influenza vaccine is also mandatory, with a strong recommendation for high-risk groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, children under five, and those with chronic conditions. The pneumococcal vaccine (Pneumococcal 13 Valent) is required for those not previously vaccinated.

Hygiene and health protocols

Pilgrims must adhere to preventive guidelines issued by Saudi health authorities during the hajj to minimize health risks. These include maintaining hygiene, wearing masks in crowded areas and using sanitizers.

Medical exams

A comprehensive medical examination is required for each pilgrim, which will be recorded on a health certificate issued by preventive health centers in Kuwait. This certificate must include detailed vaccination records and be stamped by authorized health officials.

Chronic diseases

Doctors must also advise individuals who suffer from chronic diseases that prevent them from performing the hajj rituals, such as kidney failure, heart failure, chronic lung diseases, cirrhosis of the liver, dementia and other diseases hindering the performance of the rituals to postpone hajj due to the risk of them suffering from health problems while performing the rituals. It is also recommended not to take children below five years old due to the possibility of them being exposed to acute respiratory diseases that pose a threat to the child’s health or other pediatric illnesses.

Food handlers in hajj caravans must undergo medical and laboratory exams to ensure they are free from infectious diseases. Workers, including food handlers in hajj caravans, must receive additional vaccinations such as the typhoid vaccine and tetanus shots according to specified intervals.

Preventive centers are tasked with submitting weekly updates to the Infectious Diseases Control Department, which include statistics on vaccinated individuals and stock levels of vaccines.