Inoculation for Muslim pilgrims

Muslims from around the world have begun heading for the holy city of Mecca for their annual pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia announced anyone traveling to Mecca must be vaccinated against A/H1N1 flu before entering the country.

Saudi Arabia has been the worst-hit country by A/H1-N1 flu in the Arab world. More than three million Muslims from around the world are expected to visit Mecca from November 25th to 29th for the Hajj. In addition to mandatory vaccinations, the Saudi health ministry is also setting up an emergency operation center.

The center aims to track how many people are sick and in need of free anti-viral medication stockpiled for pilgrims.