The role of Vaccination in Islamic Pilgrimage, aka Hajj or Umrah
Introduction
Vaccination has become an inevitable part of our lives. It is required for children before they begin schooling, and adults need to get vaccinated too. This is especially true if you are planning to go on hajj or umrah.
There is no compulsion in Islam to get vaccinated.
There is no compulsion in Islam to get vaccinated. However, it is advisable for people going to umrah for prevention of meningococcal, pneumococcal and influenza infection.
What is meningococcal infection?
Meningococcal infection is a bacterial infection that causes meningitis and septicaemia. It is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis.
Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, neck stiffness and rash. Meningococcal infections can be successfully treated with antibiotics and vaccines, but if you do get it there’s a risk of serious complications like brain damage or death.
What is pneumococcal infection?
Pneumococcal infection is a serious infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. The bacteria can cause pneumonia, meningitis and other diseases of the chest and brain. Pneumococcal disease is usually spread through coughing or sneezing.
Pneumococcal vaccine has been available for decades to keep you safe from pneumococcal disease. These vaccines have eliminated diseases like pneumonia from many countries in Southeast Asia and South America, but not all countries have easy access to this life-saving vaccine yet.
What is influenza infection?
Influenza (flu) is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe symptoms, and at times lead to death.
Symptoms of influenza include: fever (often high), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches and headaches. The symptoms usually start one to two days after you are infected with the virus. Some people may get diarrhea along with the flu infection.
Flu spreads from person to person when someone who is sick coughs or sneezes nearby another person who may be up to 7 feet away from them. When infected droplets become airborne and settle onto surfaces such as doorknobs or countertops they can remain active for several hours depending on environmental conditions before drying out completely
Umrah Vaccines is Available in Mediklinik Nusa
If you’re going to Mecca it’s never too early to get vaccinated.
The first step is to get vaccinated. The second step is to get vaccinated again. Vaccination is not a compulsion for pilgrimage, but it’s highly recommended.
The best time to protect yourself and your family from the diseases that plague Mecca and Medina is well before you even leave home. Vaccines can be administered any time during the year, but if you’re planning on making your Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage this winter/spring, now would be a great time for you to plan ahead with your doctor and schedule an appointment where he or she can administer whatever vaccines are necessary.
In case you’re not familiar with what vaccinations are available, here are some important facts:
- Vaccinations can take place 6 weeks before travel, but they need two weeks’ rest before they kick in fully
- Some people may require additional doses of certain vaccines; these should also be administered at least 2 weeks apart from each other
The role of vaccination in pilgrimage
The pilgrimage is compulsory for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey. The Hajj, on the other hand, can be performed at any time of year but for many Muslims it will coincide with Ramadan (which this year falls between June 7th and July 6th).
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all pilgrims should be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, meningococcal meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella. Pregnant women are advised not to travel at all if they are within two weeks of giving birth or six weeks postpartum.
What vaccines in compulsory for people planning for pilgrimage?
Vaccination is highly recommended for people planning to attend Hajj or Umrah. The vaccine may be offered at your local doctor’s office, travel clinic, or public health department. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from getting vaccinated, please consult a health care provider before traveling. While vaccination is not required for those who are traveling to Mecca as business travelers or tourists, they are strongly encouraged to get them as it will help prevent risk of infection during their trip.
Conclusion
It is a fact that the pilgrimage to Mecca is compulsory in Islam. It is recommended that you should get vaccinated if you are planning to go on this journey. The vaccines like meningococcal infection, pneumococcal infection and influenza infection will protect pilgrims from getting these diseases during their visit.
