Hajj 2025: Pilgrims to receive vaccines from today

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs is set to begin the provision of the vaccine to Hajj 2025 pilgrims from Monday in different cities of Punjab, including the Federal capital and Peshawar.

The vaccine will be provided to the pilgrims in Krachi, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Sialkot from Tuesday, while the pilgrims from Balochistan will receive the vaccince fromWedhnnesday.

The Ministry will also compensate the recipients with some gifts.

Earlier, Saudi Arabia has announced the meningitis vaccine would be mandatory for all participants of Hajj 2025, aiming to safeguard the health of millions of pilgrims, which will be applicable to both Saudi and Foreign Nationals participating in Hajj 2025.

According to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the vaccination is a non-negotiable requirement to provide complete defense against the possibly fatal illness and the Hajj packages and registration will not proceed for those failed to receive it.

This decision is in response to the necessity to avoid the spread of infectious illnesses during the Hajj and that limiting the spread of dangerous illnesses has become an absolute need for the safety of all pilgrims, The Ministry emphasized.

Pilgrims’ close contact in limited settings renders them more vulnerable to outbreaks.

In January, the Saudi Ministry of Health announced health recommendations for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, including required vaccines and preventative measures.