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Posted by Tony Flynn on 14th August 2012 at 01:21 PM Dedicated health service for Muslim community in Salford
In conjunction with the Muslim Council of Britain, The Co-operative Pharmacy is offering a meningococcal vaccination scheme for people in Salford who are undertaking Hajj or Umrah this year. The vaccination will also be available for children aged 12 years and over. The Co-operative Pharmacy is extending its meningococcal vaccination scheme in Salford this year by making it available to more people including children.
Members of the Muslim community who are undertaking an annual pilgrimage to Mecca can book an appointment with their local branch to have a meningococcal (ACWY) vaccination, which is a requirement for Umrah and the Hajj.
The vaccine is now available for those aged 12 years old and upwards* and the vaccine offered by The Co-operative Pharmacy is the one recommended by the Department of Health and the only one supported by Muslim Council of Britain.** The service is delivered in partnership with Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited and The Muslim Council of Britain.
The Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca which able-bodied Muslims are expected to perform at least once in their lives, will take place in October. Proof that the vaccination has been given is required before the necessary visa paperwork can be completed.
Before visiting the pharmacy for the vaccination, individuals can obtain a voucher which entitles them to the vaccination for £35***. Vouchers can be obtained from local mosques, community centres, and participating Co-operative pharmacies.**** More than 450 Co-operative Pharmacies will offer the meningococcal jab.
Dr Shuja Shafi, Chair of the Health and Medical Committee, the Muslim Council of Britain, said: “The meningococcal vaccination is an essential requirement for Muslim pilgrims so by offering the service in local pharmacies, families can make the necessary preparations for Umrah or Hajj more easily. Often an appointment at the pharmacy isn’t necessary so this gives people greater flexibility.”
Fiona Caplan-Dean, Clinical Services Manager, at The Co-operative Pharmacy, said: “We are delighted to be able to extend this dedicated service to offer the meningococcal vaccination to a greater number of people which includes children this year. We would urge families to consider preparing early for pilgrimage as the vaccination is required before travel paperwork can be completed.
“We appreciate the importance of cultural understanding and sensitivity when discussing the implications on healthcare of people’s religious beliefs. Our trained pharmacists are here to help if people have any travel health queries in preparation for Hajj.”
The pharmacies available are:
203 Eccles Old Road.
52 Russell Road.
1 Tootal Road.
32 Russell Street.
512 Liverpool Road.
Source: Co-operative Health.
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