MANAMA: Health centers across Bahrain has started receiving Haj pilgrims who will undergo vaccination and strict medical screening in wake of the global swine flu scare.
Dr. Mariam Al Jalhama, Assistant Undersecretary for Primary Care and Public Health said those intending to go for the annual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia must report to their nearest health center two weeks prior their journey.
“Pilgrims will be given vaccination against meningitis, diphtheria and tetanus. They will also be provided with health cards and plastic bracelets displaying the name of pilgrims,” the official said.
Bahrain authorities earlier placed an order for one million doses of H1N1 vaccines.
The first batch will arrive on Oct. 15 and will be used only for pilgrims.
A medical certificate declaring the travelers are fit and free from any contagious disease will also be issued by health authorities.
About 5,000 pilgrims from Bahrain will leave to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj season, which starts in November.
