Lasting Immunity: SFDA approves Hajj, Umrah vaccines

According to a press release, Novartis has received Saudi Food and Drug Authorities (SFDA) approval for the Meningococcal Conjugate vaccines. The vaccine provides long lasting immunity due to its potential for eliciting memory cells. The SFDA announced that the Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine by the name of Menveo from Novartis Vaccines has been approved for use in children between the ages of two to 10. Menveo is indicated for immunisation of children, adolescents and adults for active immunisation against the strains A, C, W135 and Y of Neisseria Meningitidis. Meningococcal Vaccines are a requirement for legal processes for all of pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah as well as for all inhabitants in Saudi Arabia.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 29^th, 2012.