The vaccination process has resumed for Umrah pilgrims and other international travellers, with facilities for administering required vaccines, including polio, meningitis and yellow fever, now available at Karachi Airport.
The temporary exemption allowing Umrah pilgrims to travel without vaccination expired on October 10. Following the end of the exemption, vaccination services have resumed at a centre near the Star Gate of Jinnah Terminal.
The International Traveller Vaccination Centre, operated by Border Health Services, has been made operational. According to officials, the centre will provide vaccination services to travellers around the clock.
Important Instructions for Umrah Pilgrims
The deadline for implementing meningitis and polio vaccination requirements for Umrah pilgrims had previously been extended twice. However, following the expiry of the temporary exemption, compliance with the relevant vaccination requirements has resumed.
According to Border Health officials, international travellers holding Pakistani passports must receive the applicable vaccines in accordance with their destination, transit points and travel itinerary.
Travellers have been advised to verify the vaccination requirements of their destination before departure.
Officials have also urged passengers to ensure that their vaccination certificates are verified to avoid difficulties while travelling abroad.
Vaccine Fees at Karachi Airport
The meningitis vaccine at Karachi Airport costs Rs2,785, while the influenza vaccine is available for Rs1,720. The polio vaccine will be provided free of charge.
The International Traveller Vaccination Centre has been established at the Civil Dispensary near the Star Gate of the Airport Health Quarantine facility.
Dr Ghulam Murtaza Shah, the Border Health focal person, told that arrangements had been made to ensure vaccine availability and the issuance of certificates for the convenience of travellers.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements
According to the report, yellow fever vaccination may be required for travel to certain African countries and other relevant destinations. Travellers should verify the applicable requirements according to their destination and transit arrangements.
Officials said foreign nationals had been exempted from applicable vaccination requirements under the relevant instructions.
Travellers have been advised to check the latest requirements with the relevant authorities before departure.