Saudi government has suspended mandatory requirement for the meningococcal vaccine and allowed travellers to perform Umrah without immunisation, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel.
Saudi General Civil Aviation Authority (GACA) has officially informed all airlines about the decision, which reverses a policy implemented on January 7. Now, Pakistani pilgrims and others travelling for Umrah will only need to get the polio vaccine before departure.
Saudi government move is expected to ease travel requirements and streamline the pilgrimage process for millions of Muslims worldwide. While the Saudi government had initially mandated the meningococcal vaccine to protect against bacterial meningitis, its suspension suggests a policy shift aimed at facilitating easier access to religious travel.
Following the Jan 7 announcement, there was a shortage of meningitis vaccine in the country. According to Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan sources, a pharma company had ordered 37,500 additional doses of the vaccine to overcome the shortage of the vaccine.