Umrah is a form of worship in which the congregation is required to be able not only spiritually but also physically to carry out the entire series of worship properly. This is due to dense activities, differences in environmental characteristics, differences in time zones, and meeting individuals from various countries when performing the Umrah. Previously, the obligation to get meningitis vaccination was only mandatory for Hajj pilgrims, but in July 2024, Umrah pilgrims are also required to get meningitis vaccination.
The return of the obligation to carry out meningitis vaccination was decided due to an extraordinary incident of meningitis that occurred in April 2024 in France, England, and the United States, which was later identified as patients who had just returned from Umrah (and 2 people were found who did not return from Umrah but their relatives had just returned from Umrah). So in April 2024 the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued a requirement for meningitis vaccination for Umrah pilgrims. The regulation was also later adapted and socialized in Indonesia through a Circular Letter from the Ministry of Health in July 2024.
Why Is Meningitis a Concern?
Meningitis is an inflammation that occurs in the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meninges) which is usually caused by organisms such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi. The symptoms that arise in patients with meningitis are quite diverse, ranging from fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, decreased consciousness, to death. Meningitis is transmitted through respiratory fluids such as when sneezing and coughing. Meningitis can also be transmitted by individuals who are carriers even though the individual does not show symptoms. With the severity and high level of infection of meningitis, this is what causes meningitis to be a concern, especially for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Therefore, it is important for prospective pilgrims to take preventive measures before leaving for either Hajj or Umrah. One way to prevent meningitis infection is to get vaccinated.
Meningitis vaccine can prevent and reduce the risk of contracting meningitis caused by the bacteria Neiserria meningitidis , which is endemic in several countries, especially the meningitis belt countries that stretch from Gambia to Eritrea. These countries are located quite close to Saudi Arabia, and have an average Muslim population that is dominant in each country. This vaccine is not a live vaccine which is relatively safe and rarely causes post-vaccination reactions, although the differences in each individual still require everyone who has been vaccinated to be observed first. The right time to get a meningitis vaccination before leaving for Umrah is at least 14 days from the time of departure and in good health.
Does Meningitis Vaccination Ensure Pilgrims Will Not Get Meningitis During Umrah?
Meningitis vaccine can reduce the risk of infection by up to 94% based on research. Because there is no vaccine that can prevent 100% from getting a disease, including this meningitis vaccine. So to optimize health during the Umrah pilgrimage, it is also advisable to maintain cleanliness and adopt a healthy lifestyle such as washing hands and reducing the habit of touching the face area. Meanwhile, for individuals who have special conditions, both elderly, children, or have comorbidities or accompanying diseases, it is highly recommended to first consult a specialist in aviation medicine regarding vaccines and also preparations that can be made before, during, and after the flight, also while in the holy land.
Well, of course we all want to stay healthy while traveling for worship, so that we can perform worship optimally and of course return to our homeland in good condition without bringing diseases that can be dangerous for ourselves or our families at home. Therefore, do not hesitate to consult or get vaccinated before traveling as an effort to maintain our health while worshiping later. Hopefully useful.
Article written by dr. Andyka Banyu Sutrisno, Sp.KP (Aviation Medicine Specialist, EMC Cibitung Hospital).