Job Discussion Forums

GrizzlyAdams · Joined: 29 Apr 2003 Posts: 37

Is it necessary (i.e. a visa requirement) to have vaccinations if one is going to Saudi to work?

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Which vaccinations? Check out the medical form on the Embassy web site.

GrizzlyAdams · Joined: 29 Apr 2003 Posts: 37

I have the medical form that the embassy sent me and it doesn't mention anything about vaccinations.

Mark100 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 441

As far as i know there are no vaccinations although it might be an idea to get a hepatitis vaccination as apparently it is common here.

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

The British Govt. Department of Health has a list of recommended vaccinations for each country.
http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAdviceForTravellers/GeneralHealthAdvice/Diseases/DiseasesArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4053179&chk=L6QYy4
Mark 100's right about Hepatitis. Hep B is particularly nasty.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I am investigating vaccination against decapitation before my return to KSA

cody jarrett · Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Posts: 21 Location: Middle East

if you are bringing children with you then you will need to have a record of the vaccinations that they have received.
cody

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

Prevention being better than cure, you should avoid being kidnapped at all costs.

Cleopatra · Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 6:33 pm Post subject:

I was always told that the danger of Hepatitis only really exists around Hajj time, and then only if you are likely to be in contact with people who have been to Makkah. I never had the vaccination, and most people I know didn't either - and they lived to tell the tale.

I would say it is a precaution, but by no means essential unless you plan on a trip to Makkah around Hajj time.

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

Cleopatra's confusing hepatitis with meningitis. See this link for Hajj vaccination information: http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAdviceForTravellers/LatestHealthUpdates%20/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4054061&chk=LstRft
Hepatitis A is invariably caught from contaminated water, Hep B from blood and body fluids. My advice is to get vaccinated against both, regardless of where you're going.

Cleopatra · Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 8:22 am Post subject:

Sorry, graham, you're right - so I am!!!

Oh well, all "-itisis" are the same to me!

Must say I never heard of anyone geting vaccinated against hepatitis in the Kingdom, however.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

These days, the doctors are recommending that anyone and everyone get the hepatitis vaccinations. For people who travel a great deal, like most TEFLers, it seems a good idea.

VS

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

No need to apologise, Cleopatra. There are indeed a lot of "itisis", "isms" and "ists" out there. It's a mystery that Dracula never caught any of them!
Further to VS' comments, as Hepatitis B is spread by contact with those ubiquitous "body fluids" (sounds disgusting, doesn't it?), those of you who believe in loving thy neighbour should definitely consider vaccination. If you ever need a transfusion, it will also give you some protection against Hep B-contaminated blood.

Gnome · Joined: 05 May 2004 Posts: 74

When I work in the Middle East, I get the following recommended vaccinations:

Tetanus
Polio
Typhoid
Twinrix (Hepatitis A & B)

The Hepatitis vaccinations have to be given over several months: 1, 3, 6 months. So, start early.

It is also a good idea to carry your blood type with you.