ALL prospective haj pilgrims are now required to receive the meningococcal vaccine, with the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines becoming mandatory for those in high-risk groups, according to a recent announcement from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Tabung Haji (TH).
The Health Ministry, referencing a press release from Tabung Haji issued yesterday, confirmed that COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations are mandatory for pilgrims aged 65 and above, as well as those identified as high-risk following health screenings.
Eligible pilgrims can receive their COVID-19 vaccination free of charge at 247 selected health clinics across the country. Appointments for the vaccine can be made through the MySejahtera app or via the official Tabung Haji website at www.tabunghaji.gov.my.
"Appointments for the COVID-19 vaccination can be scheduled starting February 14, with the vaccinations set to begin on February 17," said the MOH. "Pilgrims will receive appointment reminders through MySejahtera a day prior to their scheduled vaccination."
For those who are not part of the mandatory vaccination category, the COVID-19 vaccination remains available on a voluntary basis. Interested pilgrims can get vaccinated at designated healthcare facilities after consulting with a medical officer.
In addition, individuals aged 65 and above, as well as those classified as high-risk during health screenings, are also required to obtain the influenza vaccine. This can be done at authorized private healthcare facilities listed on MySejahtera or those approved to upload the Digital Vaccination Certificate to the app.
"Under the recently launched National Influenza Immunisation Programme, Malaysian haj pilgrims aged 60 and above who have at least one chronic illness are eligible to receive the influenza vaccine for free at selected government health facilities," Bernama quoted MOH saying today.
"Appointments for the influenza vaccine can be made via MySejahtera starting from February 14, with vaccination slots available from February 18."
For more information or if there are any questions regarding the new vaccination requirements for haj pilgrims, the public is encouraged to contact the Ministry of Health or Tabung Haji directly. – February 15, 2025
MOH, vaccination, haj, prospective pilgrims, meningococcal, COVID-19, influenza, MySejahtera, Tabung Haji
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