Bahrain makes meningococcal vaccine mandatory for foreign workers including Sri Lankans

Colombo, March 24 (Daily Mirror) - The meningococcal vaccine is now mandatory for all foreign workers entering Bahrain, including those from Sri Lanka, the Bahrain Health Ministry announced today.

This decision is part of a broader initiative to prevent the spread of meningococcal disease in Bahrain and across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.  

In collaboration with the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Sri Lankan Embassy in Bahrain, vaccination programmes will be organized for Sri Lankan workers preparing to travel to Bahrain. This step aligns with Bahrain and the GCC’s emphasis on immunization to control invasive meningococcal disease.  

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, which can lead to conditions such as meningitis and meningococcemia. If left untreated, these diseases have high mortality rates, but they can be effectively prevented through vaccination. Meningitis remains a significant cause of illness, death, and long-term disability worldwide, affecting both developed and developing countries.  

GCC guidelines recommend the meningococcal vaccine as a crucial part of their immunization strategy to reduce the spread of the disease, particularly in regions with large migrant worker populations.  

As a result, this new vaccination requirement aligns with the broader public health goal of safeguarding workers' health and preventing potential outbreaks. 

Bahrain continues to be a preferred destination for Sri Lankan workers, with the number of Sri Lankans migrating for employment opportunities steadily increasing. In 2024 alone, more than 4,000 Sri Lankan workers left for government jobs in Bahrain, further underscoring the need for a comprehensive health and vaccination programme for incoming workers.