MUSCAT: Citizens and residents who are heading to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah have been advised to take the seasonal influenza vaccination before they travel.

In a statement issued, Oman’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has urged both citizens and residents who are suffering from chronic diseases and aged above 65 years to take the vaccination. “Taking the vaccine is one of the conditions imposed by the Kingdom to perform the rituals,” MOH informed.

MOH has called on the groups to visit the nearest health institution to take the seasonal influenza vaccine, “in order to avoid contracting influenza infection that affects the respiratory system; which causes serious complications, especially in people with certain medical conditions and the elderly,” MOH added.