PHCC Urges Pilgrims to Take Vaccinations Ahead of Pilgrimage Season

PHCC Urges Pilgrims to Take Vaccinations Ahead of Pilgrimage Season

The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has urged Hajj pilgrims to ensure they are healthy and fully prepared to embark on pilgrimage season.

This comes through adherence to instructions and directives, in addition to identifying the potential health problems they could be exposed to during pilgrimage, namely physical stress, or other kinds of health risks, PHCC said, adding that it has alerted all pilgrims, especially the sick ones to get vaccinated prior to their departure, pointing to the potential increase of infectious diseases during Hajj which requires raising their awareness of health risks and take all necessary precautions in this regard.

Family physician at the Madinat Khalifa Health Centre of PHCC Dr. Mai Al Sammak stressed the importance of pursuing a healthy life pattern through exercises, taking healthy foods and ensure taking all critical vaccinations against meningitis and COVID-19, as well as other vaccinations.

It is preferred to take some vaccinations prior to departure against seasonal influenza, pneumonia and tetanus, Al Sammak said, adding that elderly people should consult physicians before departure to make sure that they are healthy and capable of enduring Hajj physical conditions, since pilgrims may suffer from a chronic illness, or they are taking certain medicines that require special attention.

In addition, Al Sammak called on pregnant women to consult doctors before pilgrimage to determine whether they can endure the physical conditions, because they need special facilities to receive their needs, adding that children should be instructed to maintain personal hygiene and rigorously sanitize their hands.

(QNA)