Malaysia: mandatory vaccinations for high-risk haj pilgrims

Malaysian haj pilgrims in high-risk categories must be vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19. The disposition was communicated to the press on February 15 by Malaysia’s Health Ministry, which also gave indications on how to receive the vaccines. For COVID-19, eligible persons can be vaccinated for free at over 200 selected health clinics nationwide, making an appointment via the MySejahtera application or the Tabung Haj (TH) website. Pilgrims not part of the high-risk categories can also receive COVID-19 vaccinations at designated healthcare facilities after consulting a medical officer. For influenza, individuals aged 65 or above or classified as high-risk can receive the vaccine at private healthcare facilities listed on MySejahtera or authorised to upload the Digital Vaccination Certificate to the application. Pilgrims over 60 with at least one chronic illness can receive the influenza vaccine for free at selected government health facilities.