The Health Ministry has advised the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, and children under five to delay Umrah and Haj this year.

The list this year includes an advisory for obese people to delay their pilgrimage because of concerns for their safety. Minister of Health Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, who outlined the details in a letter, said the ministry issues an advisory if there is the possibility of an outbreak of disease that can cause international concern.

Al-Rabeeah sent the letter recently to the minister of interior, chairman of the Supreme Haj Committee, Makkah governor and president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

The GACA has issued an order for all airlines to abide by the regulations of the Health Ministry, which stipulate that all incoming passengers from certain countries who wish to perform Umrah or Haj, or for seasonal employment, should have inoculations against infectious diseases.

According to standard regulations published on Saudi Embassy websites abroad, pilgrims must submit proof of vaccinations for meningitis and ACYW135. For infants and children up to 15 years of age, a vaccination report is required for polio and meningitis.

Children over 15 should present the same vaccinations requested for adults, which includes for meningitis, ACYW135, seasonal or common flu, and the H1N1 flu.