Are you planning to travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah? It’s important to check the FCDO (Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office) for the latest information and guidelines. It’s also essential to understand the vaccinations you need to get for Hajj and Umrah in Birmingham.
Hajj and Umrah are pilgrimages to Mecca for the Islamic religion that take place in Saudi Arabia. While Hajj takes place at specific times of the year, Umrah can take place at any time. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the pilgrimage was attended by over 1 million pilgrims across the globe annually.
The pilgrimage occurs from the eighth to thirteenth days of the Islamic calendar’s final (12th) month.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health usually issues the recommendations and requirements for vaccinations and entry visas for Hajj and Umrah every year.
It’s worth noting that Hajj and Umrah are physically demanding. Consider postponing your visit if you:
– Are above the age of 65
– Have health problems like lung, kidney, or heart disease
– Are suffering from a terminal sickness like cancer
– Have health issues that compromise your immune system
– Are pregnant
– Are aged 12 years and under
It’s vital to consult with us or your GP at least six to eight weeks prior to your travelling date. In addition to the below vaccinations, the Hajj and Umrah vaccinations and regulations include COVID-19.
Meningococcal Meningitis (Meningitis ACWY)
Regardless of your age, we recommend that you get the meningitis ACWY vaccination before going for Hajj or Umrah. It’s a requirement that pilgrims on Hajj and Umrah present an ACWY vaccination certificate if they are over the age of two. It’s an entry requirement to Saudi Arabia. You should get the certificate ten days before arriving.
The meningitis ACWY vaccine protects you against meningitis and septicaemia that appears because of the ACWY strains of meningitis. You should also get the meningitis ACWY vaccine if you are travelling to countries such as Sub-Saharan Africa.
Yellow Fever
After the International Health Regulations of 2005, all travellers from countries or Yellow Fever prone areas have to present an up-to-date Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Suppose one doesn’t have a valid certificate. In that case, the individual is put under firm surveillance for six days after vaccination or from the last period of exposure to the infection.
For more information about yellow fever, check out our latest blog post through the button below:
Polio
No matter their age or vaccination status, every traveller should get one dose of the oral polio vaccine. You should do this after arriving from countries that are polio-endemic and re-established transmission areas. Before departure, visitors from polio-endemic regions should show proof of polio vaccination done six weeks before travelling. Travellers will also get one dose of Oral Polio Vaccine at the border points after arriving in Saudi Arabia.
Seasonal Flu Shot
Seasonal Influenza vaccination is a must for internal pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. This is not only important to those at risk mentioned above but to all healthcare givers at the Hajj site.
Get in touch with The Travel Health Clinic to get your vaccinations for Hajj and Umrah in Birmingham today. You can also book your appointment and check out our other services in Birmingham and across the UK.
This blog post was written on behalf of The Travel Health Clinic by Pharmacy Mentor.
