The Malaysian Health Ministry has declared that the meningococcal quadrivalent vaccine (ACYW135) for haj and umrah pilgrims is halal (permissible in Islam).

The vaccine does not use pig or cow extracts as reported by a tabloid, Kosmo yesterday, said the Health Ministry in a statement Tuesday.

It said the vaccine was made an entry requirement for haj and umrah  pilgrims to prevent meningococcal meningitis disease.