Vaccines for Travelling to Hajj and Umrah

In this article, we break down what vaccines you need to travel to Hajj in 2023 and beyond, clearly and concisely. If you want to discuss any of this information, please contact us.

As the holy pilgrimage of Hajj approaches, it’s crucial to ensure the safety and protection of all pilgrims. This is even more important considering low-income countries with limited access to healthcare. This is where Hajj vaccines come in. The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health (MOH) has made it compulsory for all pilgrims to receive vaccinations before being issued Hajj and Umrah visas.

If you’re planning to make the pilgrimage from Leicester, it’s important to be aware of the health regulations published by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health. These regulations contain all the vaccine requirements for entry into the country, and it’s crucial to follow them to ensure your safety and well-being.

The risk of respiratory diseases, including Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV), increases significantly during the pilgrimage. It’s essential to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary. Pregnant women, those with severe medical conditions, diabetics, and individuals with immune deficiencies, terminal or malignant illnesses, should delay taking Hajj or Umrah.

What vaccines do I need to travel to Hajj?

To travel to Hajj or Umrah, you will need to receive several vaccinations to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. The exact vaccines you need may depend on your age, health status, and the country you are travelling from. This is why booking in with our qualified pharmacists is essential. But the following vaccines are typically required:

1. Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine: All travellers arriving for the purpose of Hajj or Umrah are required to submit a certificate of vaccination with the quadrivalent (ACYW135) vaccine against meningitis. This must be issued no more than 3 years and no less than 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.
2. Seasonal Influenza vaccine: The Saudi Ministry of Health recommends that international pilgrims be vaccinated against seasonal influenza before arrival. This is particularly important for those at increased risk of severe influenza diseases. This may include pregnant women, children under 5 years and the elderly. As well as individuals with underlying health conditions such as HIV/AIDS, asthma, and chronic heart or lung diseases.
3. COVID-19 vaccine: As of 2021, Saudi Arabia has made it mandatory for all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The specific vaccine requirements may vary depending on the country you are traveling from.
4. Other vaccines: Depending on your health status, you may also need to receive vaccines for yellow fever, polio, and other diseases.

Travel Safely – Don’t take risks

So there you have it. The vaccines you need to travel to Hajj and Umrah in 2023.

It’s essential to consult with us for specific vaccination recommendations based on your individual circumstances. It’s why we exist, and we cannot underestimate the importance of travelling fully vaccinated. Additionally, it’s important to receive your vaccines well in advance of your travel. This ensures sufficient time for immunity to develop and any side effects to subside. It usually takes 3 weeks for immunity to develop.

For the people of Leicester, our travel clinic that operates out of Brother’s Pharmacy, offers Hajj and Umrah vaccinations. We provide a free consultation to ensure that you receive the best service, and to stay safe on your trip. It’s essential to prioritise your health and safety during the holy pilgrimage. Getting vaccinated is a crucial step in achieving that.

To book your vaccines and to speak to our healthcare professionals, please use the booking calendar below:

This blog post was written on behalf of Leicester Travel Clinic by Pharmacy Mentor.