Flu, COVID-19 vaccines now mandatory for Singapore Haj pilgrims
Before this, only the meningococcal vaccination was required of Haj pilgrims from Singapore.
Muslim pilgrims pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca on Jun 18, 2024 at the end of the annual Haj pilgrimage. (File photo: AFP)
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Daphne Yow
09 May 2025 06:08PM (Updated: 09 May 2025 06:12PM)
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SINGAPORE: All Singapore Haj pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia in June are required to be vaccinated for influenza and COVID-19, in addition to the mandatory meningococcal shot.
This comes after the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) updated its vaccination requirements, in consultation with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS).
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"This is to safeguard Haj pilgrims' health throughout their journey and better protect them from infections while overseas," said MOH and CDA in a joint news release on Friday (May 9).
For the COVID-19 vaccination requirement, pilgrims must show proof of "either a single dose of the updated vaccine for the 2024-2025 season, completion of primary vaccination series, or laboratory-confirmed recovery from a COVID-19 infection during the year 2024".
Under the influenza vaccination requirement, pilgrims must receive the jab within 12 months before their travel date.
Those who have received the meningococcal vaccination must have completed it at least 10 days before departure.
Pilgrims must provide proof of the respective vaccinations.
MOH and CDA said that MUIS had earlier informed pilgrims about the updated vaccination requirements via Haj collaterals so that they have time to arrange for the jabs.