EFFECTIVENESS OF PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE FOR HAJ PILGRIMS BEING STUDIED

MECCA, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- The effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccination for
haj pilgrims is being studied as lung infections formed the highest number of
cases treated by Lembaga Tabung Haji's (Pilgrimage Fund Board) medical centres
and clinics in the Holy Land.

Over 60 per cent of cases referred to Tabung Haji medical centres and
clinics entail respiratory tract infections followed by heart-related cases,
said Malaysian Haj Mission (medical) deputy head Dr Saiful Azlan Sharif.

He said the findings would be submitted to the Ministry of Health for
evaluation whether pneumococcal vaccination would continue to be recommended
for haj pilgrims.

Currently only the 135 ACYW meningococcal immunization is compulsory for haj
pilgrims while pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations are recommended to be
taken, he told reporters after visiting the Tabung Haji's Syisyah Medical Centre
in Mina yesterday.

Meanwhile, Dr Saiful said the Syisyah Medical Centre, which has 96 beds, was
opened a few weeks ago and to date 130 of 252 medical staff for the pilgrimage
had arrived in the Holy Land and reported for duty.

Of them, 49 are doctors, including 30 specialists while the rest are
paramedics.

Dr Saiful Malaysian pilgrims could also seek treatment at Tabung Haji's
Aiziah Hospital, an emergency medical centre at the Tabung Haji headquarters at
Al-Janadiriah Hotel and clinics set up at pilgrim colleges.

In gearing up for wukuf (grand assembly) at Arafah plain, he said a medical
team would check on the condition of bed-ridden patients to determine whether
they could endure the ultimate haj ritual.

Although the pilgrims approved for the journey will be accompanied by
doctors, they are considered discharged at own risk, he added.
-- BERNAMA