Pneumococcal disease is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation among pilgrims1. In addition to disrupting worship, pneumococcal infections can spread to family members and loved ones, such as infants and the elderly, who may have weaker immune systems2.
Therefore, it is crucial for pilgrims to consult their doctor about preventive measures for pneumococcal disease before embarking on their journey to perform worship in the Holy Land.
Pfizer Malaysia and BUMITRA Malaysia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking the beginning of their joint effort in raising awareness about pneumococcal disease and promoting vaccination among Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. This campaign serves as a crucial health precaution before pilgrims embark on their journey to the Holy Land.
References
- Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq & Ziad A Memish (2016) Prevention of pneumococcal infections during mass gathering, Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 12:2, 326-330, Capaian terakhir: 14 April 2022. Diambil daripada: DOI:10.1080/21645515.2015.1058456
- National University Hospital. Pneumococcal Disease (Children). Capaian terakhir: 14 April 2022. Diambil daripada: https://www.nuh.com.sg/Health-Information/Diseases-Conditions/Pages/Pneumococcal-Disease-(Children).aspx
- Yasser Mandourah, Assim Al-Radi, Ali Harold Ocheltree, Sara Rashid Ocheltree, Robert A Fowler. Clinical and temporal patterns of severe pneumonia causing critical illness during Hajj. BMC Infect Dis. 2012 May 16;12:117. Capaian terakhir: 14 April 2022. Diambil daripada: doi: 10.1186/1471-2334-12-117. PMID: 22591189; PMCID: PMC3458962.
- Shruti Sridhar, Samir Benkouiten, Khadidja Belhouchat, Tassadit Drali, Ziad A Memish, Philippe Parola, Philippe Brouqui, Philippe Gautret. Foot ailments during Hajj: A short report. Capaian terakhir: 14 April 2022. Diambil daripada: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25659945/