Latest news with #HajPilgrims
CNA
09-05-2025
- Health
- CNA
Flu, COVID-19 vaccines now mandatory for Singapore Haj pilgrims
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). "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. The authorities also recommended that pilgrims ensure they are up-to-date with other national recommended vaccinations listed in the National Adult Immunisation Schedule and National Childhood Immunisation Schedule. For instance, elderly and medically vulnerable pilgrims should take the pneumococcal vaccine before their trip, they said. The recommendations also apply to pilgrims from Singapore who plan to travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah pilgrimages, added MOH and CDA. In planning for a safe pilgrimage, the authorities advised pilgrims to consult their healthcare provider four to six weeks before travelling, about any vaccinations and preventive medications they should get. Pilgrims are also recommended to have both their physical vaccination certificates and digital vaccination records via the HealthHub app ready for border checks in Saudi Arabia. Previously, only the meningococcal vaccine was required for the 2024 Haj and Umrah pilgrimages, with influenza and COVID-19 jabs under the recommended vaccinations list, according to MOH's health advisory then.
Malay Mail
07-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Runway at Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Kedah reopens after RMAF jet incident disrupts flights
ALOR SETAR, May 7 — The runway at Sultan Abdul Halim Airport (LTSAH), which was temporarily closed following an incident involving a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) aircraft yesterday evening, was reopened at 8pm. LTSAH manager Ikram Alif Mansoor said the runway, which was closed at 5.30pm, was reopened after aircraft removal, cleaning, and inspection works were completed. 'All cleaning works have been completed... four flights involving arrivals and departures that were disrupted by the incident have been rescheduled. 'We are rearranging the schedule for all affected flights, including those involving Haj pilgrims – we aim to resolve everything by tonight,' he told Bernama when met at LTSAH yesterday. Earlier, Malaysia Airports confirmed the temporary closure in a statement after the RMAF aircraft incident at 5pm yesterday, allowing for aircraft removal and runway cleaning operations. — Bernama
