KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 – The Selangor state government is providing free pneumococcal vaccines to Haj pilgrims in an effort to protect them from pneumonia during their pilgrimage.
The initiative is part of Selangor’s vaccination programme (Selvax), which aims to vaccinate the state’s residents against preventable diseases.
“Pilgrims residing in Shah Alam and nearby areas can get the vaccine for free at the Selcare Unisel Clinic in Shah Alam from May 8 to June 15, 2023, from 9am to 5pm,” Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud, chairperson of the state government’s permanent public health committee, said in a statement on Saturday (May 6).
Yesterday, 1,500 doses of the pneumococcal vaccine were administered to Haj pilgrims who attended the haj course at Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque.
Haj pilgrims residing in Selangor who are interested in receiving the pneumococcal vaccine can continue to register their interest to get the vaccine on the Selangkah application. For individuals who encounter difficulties in registering online, they can contact the Selcare hotline for assistance at 1-800-22-6600.
In a previous report by CodeBlue, health experts have advised Muslims who plan to go on their pilgrimage to Mecca to take the pneumococcal vaccine to reduce the risk of contracting pneumonia, which is a common cause of death worldwide.
Prof Dr Abdul Razak Muttalif, a senior consultant chest physician and head of medicine at the Malaysian Allied Health Sciences Academy (MAHSA) University, highlighted that lung diseases and pneumonia are among the leading causes of hospital admissions and deaths during the Haj.
Dr Abdul Razak said that the risk of pneumonia is high among the elderly and those with underlying health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which can lead to a higher risk of pneumonia-related mortality.
“Haj pilgrims usually consist of seniors with numerous comorbidities. Therefore, it is advised that vaccination be taken at least two weeks or a month before travel to the holy land,” Dr Abdul Razak said.
