Amid a rise in global Mpox cases, Saudi health authorities are considering making the Mpox vaccine (also known as Monkeypox) mandatory for Umrah pilgrims.
Although no cases have been reported within the Kingdom, the continuous arrival of pilgrims from around the world rises the risk of the virus being brought into the country.
Airports in various countries have already implemented testing for Mpox both before departure and upon arrival to curb the spread.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Mpox as a public health emergency, and ordered the urgency of implementation of preventive measures.
When COVID-19 was in the early stages, it was initially declared a global emergency before escalating to a pandemic.
Global health authorities have urged pharmaceutical companies to increase the production of the Mpox vaccine to meet the growing demand. Pilgrims have also been advised to wear masks as an additional precaution.
The potential mandatory vaccination for Umrah pilgrims underscores the importance of maintaining public health and safety in the Kingdom, especially as it welcomes millions of visitors to its holy sites.
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