Singapore mandates flu and COVID-19 vaccines for Hajj pilgrims

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) of Singapore have revised vaccination prerequisites to mandate influenza and COVID-19 immunizations for Singaporean Hajj pilgrims journeying to Saudi Arabia in June. This determination, which supplements the existing mandate for meningococcal vaccination, was formulated in collaboration with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS). The stated objective of the Singapore health authorities is to protect the well-being of Hajj pilgrims during their international travel. The specific requirement entails either a single dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine for the 2024-2025 season, completion of the primary COVID-19 vaccination series, or documented laboratory confirmation of recovery from COVID-19 infection within the year 2024. Pilgrims are required to furnish evidence of their respective immunizations. Furthermore, pilgrims are advised to ensure adherence to all other nationally recommended vaccinations, with particular emphasis on elderly and vulnerable individuals. Formerly, only the meningococcal vaccine was obligatory for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimages, while influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations were among the recommended prophylactic measures.