2nd March 2000
The Muslim Council of Britain, in co-operation with the Department of Health, is sending out an urgent circular to all mosques and organisations in the UK stressing the need for immunisation against meningitis A, especially for children and young people up to age 18 who may only have had vaccination against meningitis C.
It is requesting Imams and Khateebs to make an announcement at Friday Prayers and to display the circular on notice boards.
The Department of Health circular says:
“Pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah are required by the Government of Saudi Arabia to have valid certification of vaccination against meningitis, which includes immunisation against meningitis A.
Children and young people up to age 18 in Britain are now being offered by either their doctor or through the schools a new vaccine to protect against meningitis C. Parents are reminded that this new vaccine does not protect against meningitis A.
Should a child or young person be going for Hajj they will still need to have immunisation against meningitis A even if they have had the new vaccine against meningitis C.
Your doctor will be able to give you more information “
Or Freefone: the Health Information Service on 0800 66 55 44.
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