THE elderly and above-18s with risk of severe illness are urged to get their second Covid-19 booster jab before performing haj.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said this will help reduce risk of infection among pilgrims.

“The Health Ministry urges pilgrims aged 60 and above and pilgrims aged 18 to 59 with risk of severe illness to get a second booster dose before leaving for Makkah.”

The ministry also recommends prospective pilgrims aged 12 to 17 to get their booster jab within five months of completing their primary vaccination.

“Fully vaccinated adolescents who are infected with Covid-19 can be boosted once they are fully recovered,” said Khairy.

He said boosters can be given two weeks before or after another injection is given.

“Pilgrims can get their booster jab by walking in to any vaccination centre, and bring along relevant supporting documents (e.g. letter of offer to perform haj).”

For the record, haj pilgrims will also need to get their meningococcal, influenza and pneumococcal vaccines.

Religious Affairs Minister Idris Ahmad earlier this week said Malaysia has applied for an additional 5,000 quota from Saudi Arabia for the haj season this year.

Approval will depend on what the Saudi Arabian government is able to offer, he added.

Idris said the quota for Malaysian haj pilgrims is 14,306 this year, which is 45% of the usual quota.

A total of 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims performed the fifth pillar of Islam in 2019. – May 21, 2022.