The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has begun vaccination of 1,518 intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj exercise.

The director-general of the board, Ahmed Labbo, said this in a statement by its spokesman, Habibu Yusuf, on Monday in Dutse.

He said the vaccination would protect the pilgrims against diseases and outbreaks in large gatherings as part of comprehensive preparations to ensure a hitch-free Hajj exercise.

“This vaccination exercise underscores our readiness for a successful 2025 Hajj. The board urges all pilgrims to cooperate fully and adhere to health guidelines as they prepare for this sacred journey,” he said.

While urging the intending pilgrims to be law-abiding and patient throughout the Hajj process, Mr Labbo enjoined them to attend all scheduled enlightenment lectures.

The lectures, he said, were designed to impart relevant knowledge on the rites of the Hajj and practical guidance for the journey ahead.

Mr Labbo said the vaccination exercise would be conducted simultaneously in the 27 local government areas of the state until departure to the Holy Land.

The statement also quoted the immunisation officer, Bala Ismaila, as saying that meningitis, oral polio and yellow fever vaccines would be administered to the intending pilgrims in the exercise.

“These vaccinations are mandatory under the health regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“Yellow fever vaccine is valid for 10 years, while the meningitis vaccine lasts three years. They are essential for protecting both individual and public health,” Mr Ismaila said.

On side effects of the vaccines, Mr Ismaila advised the intending pilgrims to seek immediate medical attention if they experience severe or prolonged symptoms. 

(NAN)