In a statement received here on Thursday, Head of the Hajj Health Center of the Ministry of Health Liliek Marhaendro Susilo explained that the polio vaccination requirement follows the meningococcal vaccination mandate imposed earlier.
"This rule is aimed at countries that recorded polio cases in the last year," he remarked.
In the same statement, the ministry's Director of Immunization, Prima Yosephine, noted that the polio vaccines prepared by the government are for regular Hajj pilgrims and Hajj officers, while special Hajj pilgrims will obtain the vaccine independently.
"The type of vaccine used is the Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV), provided in 1 dose, and is given no later than 2 to 4 weeks before their departure to Saudi Arabia," she remarked.
Yosephine stated that the vaccine can be administered alongside other vaccines, such as meningococcal meningitis, influenza, and COVID-19.
Poliomyelitis (polio) is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus, which attacks the nervous system. She noted that in some cases, the infection can cause paralysis or even death within a short time.
"Polio can infect anyone, regardless of age. To date, there is still no cure for this disease, and vaccination is the most effective way to prevent transmission," she remarked.
Indonesia will dispatch 221 thousand Hajj pilgrims in 2025. Meanwhile, the number of Indonesian Hajj officers is capped at 4,420 after Saudi Arabia granted an additional quota of 2,210.
Indonesian Hajj pilgrims are scheduled to start entering the Hajj dormitory on May 1, 2025. The following day, regular pilgrims will gradually start departing for Saudi Arabia from their respective embarkation points.
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Translator: Mecca Yumna, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
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