3,300 Hajj pilgrims from Bekasi undergo phased vaccination
Bekasi Regency (ANTARA) - At least 3,300 prospective Hajj pilgrims from Bekasi Regency, West Java, are undergoing meningitis and polio vaccinations organised in phases by the local government as one of the stages before departure to the Holy Land.
“Vaccination for these Hajj pilgrims has been underway since two days ago, and it is still ongoing, with an estimate to be completed by mid-next week,” said the Head of the Bekasi Regency Health Office, Arief Kurnia, in Cikarang on Saturday.
He stated that the activity, centred at the Wibawa Mukti building in the Bekasi Regency government office complex every day starting in the morning except Saturdays and Sundays, is an important step to protect the health of pilgrims during their worship in the Holy Land.
He explained that the meningitis and polio vaccines are given to prevent pilgrims from potential global infectious diseases while in Saudi Arabia, considering that Hajj worship requires prime physical condition over a sufficiently long, exhausting, and activity-packed period.
“This vaccine is important so that pilgrims can avoid the risks of meningitis and polio diseases. We want everyone to be in good health while performing worship there, which will last for days,” he said.
“If the physical condition is not strong, especially during the stoning of the Jamarat which is quite a distance from the accommodation, it could become an obstacle. So from now on, they must start physical training like morning walks,” he added.
Arief also reminded that efforts to maintain health should be accompanied by prayers so that the entire Hajj worship series can proceed smoothly despite global dynamics that still need to be anticipated by all parties but do not disrupt departure preparations.
“We all pray that the departure will go smoothly and the pilgrims can complete the entire Hajj worship series and return to the homeland as accepted pilgrims,” he said.
The Head of Disease Prevention and Control at the Bekasi Regency Health Office, Irfan Maulana, continued that this vaccination targets at least 3,300 registered and ready-to-depart prospective Hajj pilgrims for this year’s Hajj season, with structured and orderly service scheduling.
“Meningitis and polio vaccination is the next stage after health checks that have been underway since November last year, including the determination of istitha’ah for prospective pilgrims,” he explained.
He continued that further health checks will be carried out after the vaccination is completed, including pregnancy checks for women of childbearing age, to ensure all health requirements are properly met ahead of departure. “Early vigilance against diseases that have the potential to become outbreaks is our priority,” he said.
His side has prepared 12 health workers placed across all flight groups (kloter) as well as additional accompanying personnel from the local government who will synergise to support health services, including for elderly pilgrims, to ensure optimal care during worship in the Holy Land.
Irfan urged pilgrims to maintain their physical condition ahead of departure with sufficient rest and to regulate social activities such as the farewell gathering so as not to disrupt health and physical readiness before heading to the Holy Land.
“Get enough rest, avoid fatigue, and ensure you are in fit condition when departing. If ill upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, there is a possibility the pilgrim will be sent back. Don’t forget to bring personal medications for needs during approximately 40 days,” he said.