Meningitis vaccination is a crucial step in preventing the potentially fatal disease of meningitis. This vaccination not only protects individuals but also helps prevent the spread of the disease within the community.
Hajj and Umrah pilgrims in Indonesia and Saudi Arabia must get vaccinated against meningitis to stay healthy during the pilgrimage. The requirement for the meningitis vaccine is outlined in the Circular from the Ministry of Health No. HK.02.02/A/3717/2024.
By understanding the important facts about meningitis vaccination, you can make better decisions to protect yourself and those around you. Here are the meningitis vaccination facts that you, our friends at Tirta, need to know:
1. Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination Is Not Routinely Administered
Meningococcal meningitis vaccination is not given regularly in many countries, including Indonesia, because the disease is not very common among the general population.
This vaccine is usually given to high-risk groups such as travelers to endemic areas like African countries and people living in dormitories.
2. Meningitis Vaccination 2024 Mandatory for Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims
The Saudi Arabian government requires meningitis vaccination for all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims based on a diplomatic note from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia dated May 20, 2024, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs number 211-4239.
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health has updated the health requirements for Hajj and Umrah through the Health Requirements and Recommendations for Travelers to Saudi Arabia for Hajj – 1445H (2024), which can be accessed here: Saudi Ministry of Health website
This vaccine is an important preventive measure given the high risk of meningitis transmission among millions of pilgrims from various countries gathering in one place.
The vaccine used is the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (A C Y W-135), which must be administered no less than 10 days before departure.
3. Meningitis Vaccine Given to Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers
The meningitis vaccine is administered to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers with great care. This decision is based on a risk-benefit analysis where the benefits of preventing potentially fatal meningitis are considered greater than the risks of vaccine side effects.
Studies have shown that this vaccine is safe for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women, although a consultation with a doctor is still required before vaccination.
4. Conjugate Meningitis Vaccine Immunity Lasts Longer Than Polysaccharide
The conjugate meningitis vaccine provides longer-lasting protection compared to the polysaccharide vaccine. However, for the purpose of prevention during Hajj and Umrah, this vaccine still needs to be repeated every 2 years.
This is in accordance with the policy of the Hajj Health Center, Ministry of Health, to ensure optimal immunity during the pilgrimage period.
5. Meningitis Vaccination Enhances Herd Immunity
Meningitis vaccination not only protects vaccinated individuals but also helps prevent the spread of the disease within the community.
Vaccination reduces the number of people who can spread meningococcal disease, which helps protect those who can’t get vaccinated, like babies and some people with certain medical conditions.
6. Several Types of Meningitis Vaccines are Available
There are several types of meningitis vaccines available, including polysaccharide vaccines and conjugate vaccines.
Conjugate vaccines are better because they provide longer-lasting protection and are more effective in reducing bacteria carriers in the throat, a major source of transmission.
7. Meningitis Vaccine Side Effects Are Usually Mild
Common side effects of the meningitis vaccine include pain at the injection site, mild fever, and fatigue.
8. Meningitis Vaccination is Important for Travelers to Endemic Areas
Travelers heading to high-risk areas for meningitis, like the “meningitis belt” in Africa, should get vaccinated. The vaccine can prevent potentially fatal infections during travel.
9. Meningitis Vaccination Can Reduce the Risk of Serious Complications
Meningitis can cause serious complications such as brain damage, hearing loss, and death. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent this disease and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Meningitis vaccination can be done at all branches of Tirta Medical Centre (except Balikpapan and Mataram). Tirta Medical Centre (TMC) can issue the International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) yellow book for Umrah, Hajj, and other international travel purposes.
If you have questions or want to get a meningitis vaccine at a reasonable price, please contact us.
READ: Is the Meningitis Vaccine Mandatory for Umrah & Hajj?
References:
- PAPDI. Accessed in 2024. Adult Immunization Schedule: https://satgasimunisasipapdi.com/jadwal-imunisasi-dewasa/
- RSUI. Accessed in 2024. Why Should You Get the Meningitis Vaccine Before Umrah and Hajj?: https://rs.ui.ac.id/umum/berita-artikel/artikel-populer/mengapa-harus-vaksin-meningitis-sebelum-umrah-dan-haji
- Ministry of Health. Accessed in 2024. Health Requirements: https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/Pilgrims_Health/Pages/default.aspx
- NCBI. Accessed in 2024. Meningococcal Vaccine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553102/
- WHO. Accessed in 2024. A New Vaccine Will Change the Balance of the Fight Against Meningitis: https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/a-new-vaccine-will-change-the-balance-of-the-fight-against-meningitis
- CDC. Accessed in 2024. Meningococcal Vaccination: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mening/index.html
- MDPI. Accessed in 2024. Meningococcal Vaccines: Current Status and Emerging Strategies: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-393X/6/1/12
- RSPP. Accessed in 2024. Facts About the Meningitis Vaccine You Need to Know!: https://www.rspp.co.id/artikel-detail-257-Fakta-Vaksin-Meningitis-yang-Harus-Kamu-Ketahui!-.html
