Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced new Haj rules aimed at reducing the threat of the H1N1 virus. The new rules are being established for pilgrims and their home countries according to a senior official at the Saudi embassy. These include submission of a certificate of H1N1 vaccination it is available before Haj, and a valid certificate of vaccination against seasonal influenza two weeks before receving a Haj visa.
Other conditions include advising the elderly, people with chronic diseases, pregnant women, and children to stay home, conducting health awareness campaigns regarding precautionary steps to be taken against H1N1 in pilgrim’s countries. Director General of Islamic Affairs and Awqaf Authority said “We have received the new conditions and are committed to meeting them.” Dr. Mohammad Mattar Al Ka’abi said they are coordinating with ministries of Health and Interior and the National Higher Supervisory Committee to fight the H1N1 virus. ,
