Sunday, February 16, 2025 | Sha'ban 16, 1446 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Saudi Arabia travel: Vaccines available in Oman for citizens, expats

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Muscat: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has said to all citizens and residents wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage for the year 1446 AH / 2025 who have been selected based on the electronic sorting announced by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, the necessity of heading to the designated healthcare institutions in each governorate to receive the following required vaccinations, including Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (ACYW135)


The target group is individuals wishing to perform Hajj, including adults and children from two months of age and older.


Receiving a single dose of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine protects against the complications of meningitis as the vaccine provides five-year protection. Individuals who have received the vaccine previously and can provide proof of it do not need to take it again unless five years have passed since their last dose.


All individuals wishing to perform Hajj, including adults and children six months of age and older can receive the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine. A single dose of the seasonal flu vaccine protects against its complications and provides seasonal immunity.


For COMIRNATY Omicron XBB.1.5, the target group is individuals over the age of 65, pregnant women with chronic respiratory diseases diabetes patients /heart diseases, chronic metabolic disorders, chronic kidney failure genetic blood disorders/immunodeficiency (including cancer, HIV infection, and immunosuppressive medications) and chronic neurological diseases. Receiving a single booster dose of the COVID-19 monovalent vaccine (J N.1) from the Omicron variant protects the individual from complications caused by the mutated strains of the Omicron variant.


Vaccination can be taken at least ten days before traveling to avoid the spread of infection and to protect public health.


Umrah travelers and where to get


All citizens and residents wishing to perform Umrah must receive the Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (ACYW135) and it is mandatory to obtain a vaccination certificate issued by the Ministry of Health (via the Tarrasud system), valid for five years.


Vaccines are available at Primary healthcare institutions across all governorates. The vaccine is available for expatriates and residents at specified private healthcare institutions designated by the Ministry of Health in each governorate. The Ministry of Health also recommends receiving a single dose of the seasonal flu vaccine before traveling to Umrah.


Saudi guidelines.


All airlines operating in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been asked to ensure that holders of Umrah visas, or those intending to perform Umrah regardless of visa type, have received the required vaccination.


Airhnes must inform passengers the Kingdom holders of Umrah visas, or those intending to perform Umrah or visit regardless of visa type, about the health requirements mentioned in the Ministry of Health, the country's General Authority for Civil Aviation said.


Effective February 2025, there are new health requirements for those traveling to Saudi Arabia and it is essential to get vaccinated based on the travel plans and get the necessary certificates well in advance.


Polio Vaccination: Travelers from countries where polio is circulating (such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and others) must present a valid polio vaccination certificate. Be sure to get vaccinated at least four weeks before arrival, the national airline Oman Air said.


Yellow Fever Vaccination: Guests arriving from yellow fever-prone areas (parts of Africa and South America) must provide a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, issued at least 10 days before arrival.


Meningitis Vaccine (for Umrah Travelers). For those traveling to perform Umrah, there are two types of required vaccines: Polysaccharide Vaccine: Valid for three years, must be administered at least 10 days before arrival.


Conjugate Vaccine: Valid for five years, must be administered at least ten days before arrival.


Transit guests who stay less than 12 hours are exempt from these requirements.


Children under the age of three are exempt from the meningococcal vaccine.


Airlines will take necessary precautions at the point of embarkation to ensure that persons own the documents prescribed by the States of transit and destination.


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