Pakistan on Thursday received a consignment of 37,500 doses of the meningitis vaccine hours before Saudi Arabia suspended the requirement for this vaccine for Umrah pilgrims from around the world.

The shipment, imported by a private pharmaceutical company, aims to address the recent vaccine shortage that arose after the Saudi government made it mandatory for Umrah pilgrims on January 7.

According to sources in the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), 16,000 doses have already been dispatched to Punjab. Other provinces, including Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, will receive the vaccine as per their requirements.

Taking action on reports by Samaa TV, the Punjab government had prioritized vaccine distribution in Lahore, where Umrah pilgrims faced significant difficulties in obtaining it to fulfil the Saudi Arabian requirement. The vaccine will be supplied by a private production company to major pharmacies across Lahore, with a price set at Rs6,500. 

Strict regulations on vaccine distribution

To prevent hoarding and black marketing, the Punjab government has made vaccine sales conditional on proof of travel. Pilgrims must present their passport, Saudi visa, and confirmed airline ticket to purchase the vaccine. Authorities have warned that any attempts to sell the vaccine at inflated prices will not be tolerated.

Govt response to vaccine shortage

Following complaints of vaccine unavailability across Punjab, Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique contacted DRAP’s CEO to expedite the resolution of the crisis. He assured that the supply chain would be restored within two days, with full coordination from health officials, including Dr. Mukhtar Barth.

Additionally, Punjab Health Secretary Nadia Saqib has directed pharmaceutical companies to ensure a backup stock of vaccines to prevent future shortages. She said the vaccine was being sent to all major pharmacies in Lahore, which will be available at Rs6,500. She further claimed that overcharging for the vaccine would not be tolerated. 

Mandatory vaccination for Umrah pilgrims

Despite Saudi Arabia lifting the meningococcal vaccine requirement for Umrah pilgrims, those who planned their pilgrimage before the policy change are still required to comply with previous health regulations. According to DRAP, pilgrims must receive the meningitis vaccine at least 10 days before travel and should consult a physician before administration.