Table 1.
Recommended preventive measures and their uptake among Australian Hajj pilgrims1
| Preventive measures | Current uptake % | Key factors affecting compliance | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meningococcal vaccine | 100 | A mandatory visa requirement | If the vaccine type is not specified, the certificate will be valid for 3 years regardless of whether the pilgrim has received a conjugate or polysaccharide vaccine |
| Influenza vaccine | 80 | Not knowing about the vaccine, thinking they will not get a disease at Hajj as they remain under God’s protection | Tour group leaders’ advice is a key motivator |
| Pneumococcal vaccine | 30 | Not being aware of the vaccine and reliance on natural immunity | Those who were very concerned about contracting pneumonia at Hajj were twice as likely to receive pneumococcal vaccine |
| Diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccine | 14–30 | Not being aware of the vaccine and reliance on natural immunity | About 30% pilgrims had no correct information on how pertussis transmits |
| Hepatitis A vaccine | 11–17 | Not being aware of the vaccine | About two-third pilgrims had no correct information on how hepatitis A transmits |
| Hepatitis B vaccine | 11–17 | Not being aware of the vaccine | Those who were very concerned about blood-borne disease at Hajj were twice as likely to receive hepatitis B vaccine |
| Measles–mumps–rubella vaccine | 8–10 | Not being aware of the vaccine | |
| Typhoid vaccine | 7–13 | Not being aware of the vaccine | |
| Hand hygiene | 94 | Belief in effectiveness of hand hygiene, and convenience and ease of use improved uptake | Non-alcoholic hand hygiene products are more popular |
| Facemask | 32–53 | Discomfort and difficulty in breathing were barriers to their use | Those aged <65 years and those who were concerned about suffering from pneumonia during Hajj were more likely to accept facemask, compared with their counterparts |