Thousands of Muslims from Bradford and Airedale who will be making the journey to Mecca, Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage or Hajj will need proof that they have had the seasonal flu jab this year.
Pilgrims are required to obtain a seasonal flu vaccination with a certificate in their country of origin at least two weeks prior to applying to the Saudi Embassy for a Hajj visa.
GPs working across the district will be able to provide this and anyone considering attending the Hajj should contact their local surgery to make arrangements to be vaccinated. There may be a charge for this.
To help the pilgrims undertake this important journey safely, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has issued new guidance which is now available to download from NHS Bradford and Airedale’s website at http://www.bradfordairedale-pct.nhs.uk/. You could also log on to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website at http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/your-trip/hajj-pilgrims.
Dr Anita Sims, director of public health said: "There is also a high likelihood of transmission of swine flu due to the large number of people attending. Pilgrims are advised take extra care with good hygiene to limit the spread of the infection. They should use tissues to catch coughs and sneezes and dispose of them in the bin; and wash hands frequently with soap and water to kill germs."
Anyone in the high risk categories is advised by the World Health Organisation not to make the journey this year for their own safety. Those at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill with swine flu include:
People with:
chronic lung disease or had drug treatment for asthma in the past three years
cystic fibrosis
a suppressed immune system (whether caused by disease or treatment)
diabetes
sickle cell disease
chronic neurological disease e.g. multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, muscular dystrophy
chronic heart disease
chronic kidney disease
chronic liver disease
As well as:
- children aged under five and people aged over 65
If you have swine flu, or are showing flu like symptoms, do not travel until after your symptoms have stopped and you are feeling better to avoid spreading the virus.
As a precaution, you should make sure you have flu remedies from your local chemist for flu, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
To contact the Department of Health’s Swine Flu Information Line when abroad, call 0044 207 928 1010.
For all the latest advice and guidance on swine flu, visit NHS Bradford and Airedale’s website on
http://www.bradford.nhs.uk/swineflu/Pages/Swinefluhome.aspx
In addition, pilgrims should be vaccinated with the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (ACWY), which protects against four different strains of meningitis (A, C, W135 and Y). You will be required to produce a valid vaccination certificate and you should consult your GP if you are in any doubt.
Individuals on medication should make sure that they have adequate quantities to cover the time they will be on their pilgrimage.