Dhaka, Jan 20 (V7N) —The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has made it mandatory for all Umrah pilgrims and travellers on visit visas to Saudi Arabia to receive the meningitis vaccine, with the mandate coming into effect on February 10.
The directive, issued by Group Captain Muhammed Kamrul Islam, executive director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday, aligns with guidelines from the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health and the General Authority of Civil Aviation.
The key points under this directive are: the meningitis vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to travel; passengers below the age of one year are exempted from this requirement; and those who have received the vaccine within the past three years do not need a repeat dose.
Travellers are also advised to carry their vaccination certificates during their journey to Saudi Arabia.
In a statement, Muhammed Kamrul Islam said the directive aimed to safeguard public health and ensure compliance with international health protocols for religious and general travellers.
Passengers were requested to adhere to these instructions to avoid travel disruptions, he added.
Previously, on January 13, CAAB issued directives to all stakeholders at Dhaka airport to take measures to prevent the spread of human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
Key measures include encouraging mask usage, hand hygiene and prompt reporting of symptoms like fever, cough or shortness of breath.
Airlines are required to notify the airport’s health unit about suspected cases and ensure passengers and crew members are informed about the protocols.
Healthcare providers at the airport will monitor symptomatic passengers, and all stakeholders are tasked with ensuring compliance with preventive guidelines.
CAAB urged calmness and collaboration to mitigate risks while health authorities closely monitored the situation.
END/MSS/AJ
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