Swine Flu and Hajj pilgrims
The World Health Organisation and the
Saudi government, have advised that the elderly, pregnant women,
people with chronic diseases and children should postpone Hajj
pilgrimages this year for their own safety, and that those who
travel must have had the seasonal flu vaccine. They warn that,
although the Kingdom has made thorough preparations, there is a
high likelihood of transmission of Swine flu (H1N1) in the course
of the pilgrimage, impacting most severely in certain groups of
vulnerable individuals.
The British Foreign and Commonwealth
Office website confirms that those travelling for Hajj from all
countries must, without exception, provide a valid certificate of
vaccination against seasonal flu before acquiring a Hajj Visa. This
must be authorised with the vaccinator’s official stamp, and should
be at least two weeks old. If a traveller is in possession of an
International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP)
booklet, seasonal influenza vaccine can be recorded in the ‘Other
Vaccinations’ pages. A certificate of vaccination specifically
against Swine flu (H1N1) will only become a requirement if the
vaccine becomes universally available. As this is unlikely to occur
in the UK before Hajj (expected to fall November 25-29 this year),
pilgrims will only be requesting the seasonal vaccine from their
GP*.
The Muslim Council of Britain's (MCB)
Health Committee concurs with the WHO/Saudi advice, and has urged
Hajjis who embark on this spiritual journey to adhere to "good
personal hygiene measures, including cough etiquette, use of
antiseptic hand gels, and frequent hand washing with soap and
water". The MCB Guidance on
Swine Flu and its Affect on the Muslim Community explains how
modern day infection control principles are compatible with Islamic
teachings, for instance the importance of cleanliness and Islamic
requirements for frequent hand washing (wudu and other daily
routines). General advice for travellers is available from the
National Travel Health Network and Centre webpage: Pandemic (H1N1)
2009 influenza: advice for travellers.
When pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia for
the Hajj they will be screened at the airport for a high
temperature and, if positive, can expect to be held for further
testing and treatment. They may also be required to comply with
other local preventative measures, including possibly being
required to wear face masks in order to reduce the risk of flu at
key pilgrimage sites. Pilgrims from the UK should check the
Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia website for the latest
requirements before arranging their Hajj trip.
* When these vaccinations are required
solely in connection for travel abroad GPs are permitted by
regulations to charge their own patients for this service. As
vaccine costs are not reimbursable under the personal
administration provisions, GPs’ private charges will cover the cost
of providing the vaccine (and all other on-costs) as well as the
charge for vaccinating the patient. They may also charge their
patients a private fee for a vaccination certificate. GPs may not
wish to use their flu vaccine supplies for this purpose and may
advise patients to seek private vaccination (vaccine can be
purchased and administered at some high street chemists, other
retailers or private travel clinics).