The University Medical Center at Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) is pleased to announce the launch of seasonal flu and meningitis vaccination campaign for the year 1438H across all of the university’s colleges, departments and institutes in Makkah in  collaboration with the General Directorate of Health Affairs in Makkah  until Dhul-Hijjah 2, 1438 H.

The Director General of the University Medical Center Dr. Yassir bin Hassan Bahakeem  announced that the immunization will last until Thursday Dhul-Hijjah 2, 1438 H. He said the vaccination teams will visit the different locations. 

Bahakeem added that the vaccines will be available all the day throughout the campaign duration at the University Medical Center main headquarters in Azizia to guarantee that everybody gets vaccinated.
 
Dr. Bahakeem underlined the importance of the seasonal flu and meningitis immunization before the hajj season.

He stressed the need to cooperate with and facilitate the work of the vaccination teams during their visits to the different locations to do their work the best they can.

He further valued, meanwhile, the support and attention of Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) President Dr. Bakri bin M’atooq Assas as well as the continued follow-up of and directives of the UQU Vice President Dr. Yasser ibn Suleiman Shoushou to improve the treatment and preventive healthcare services offered by the University Medical Center to all students, affiliate students and those eligible to receive the Center’s services.

•    The immunizations will be carried out as follows:

First: Meningitis vaccination targets all citizens and residents

Targeted Groups:
1-    All medical cadres.
2-    Non-medical staff working in Hajj.
3-    Makkah inhabitants including; citizens and residents.

-  ACWY conjugate meningitis vaccine (Aramen) administered from 9-month infants to 65 year olds.
- The Meningococcal ACYW-135 Polysaccharide vaccine is administered to +65 year olds and those who have not been immunized during the past three years.

Second: Seasonal flu vaccination

Targeted Groups:

Same groups targeted by the Meningitis vaccination

•    All the targeted groups will be immunized irrespective of any vaccines previously administered to them because the composition of the new vaccine differs from previous ones.
•    Seasonal Influenza vaccines is licensed for ages 6 months and higher. 
•    Dosage of influenza vaccines are given to children as following:  

1-    Children aged 6 through to 3 years are given 0.25 mL/dose. Another dose is given after one month (for those who were not previously vaccinated).
2-     Children aged 3 years until 8 years are given a complete 0.5 mL/dose. Another dose is given after one month (for those who were not previously vaccinated).
3-    Children older than 8 years old are given an annual 0.5 mL/dose.