KUWAIT CITY, May 22: The Ministry of Health announced on Thursday that it will offer vaccination services and issue health certificates for pilgrims at preventive health departments within primary healthcare centers, in accordance with the health guidelines issued by Saudi Arabia.

In a press statement, the ministry explained that the required vaccinations for those planning to perform Hajj include meningitis and COVID-19 vaccines, especially for individuals over 65 years old, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions such as heart, respiratory, kidney, and nervous system diseases, as well as people with hereditary blood disorders like sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, and individuals with weak immune systems.

The ministry clarified that proof of COVID-19 vaccination must include at least one dose updated for the 2024-2025 season, completion of the basic doses (two or more doses administered between 2021 and 2023), or a confirmed recovery from a laboratory-tested COVID-19 infection in 2024.

Additionally, recommended vaccinations include the seasonal influenza vaccine and the bacterial pneumonia vaccine. The ministry also suggested that family members of pilgrims (contacts) who have not been vaccinated or whose last vaccination was more than five years ago should receive one dose of the meningitis vaccine.

The Ministry emphasized the importance of updating vaccinations for diseases targeted by immunization programs, such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, chickenpox, and mumps.

All vaccines provided are approved by the health authorities in Saudi Arabia, and the ministry urged that vaccinations be administered at least 10 days prior to the travel date.