December 10, 2021

What Hajj and Umrah Vaccinations Should You Get Before Travelling?

vaccinations hajj umrah Manchester

Mecca is the center city of the Islamic religion. Most Muslims travel from all over the world to celebrate Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia. Will you be travelling to Mecca? It’s essential to confirm the rules and regulations with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). It’s also vital to be aware of the vaccinations for Hajj and Umrah in Manchester.

Understanding Hajj and Umrah

Islam believers celebrate Hajj and Umrah as a pilgrimage in Mecca. These religious celebrations take place in Saudi Arabia. Umrah is celebrated at any time compared to Hajj, which is held at specific times of the year.

Initially, more than 1 million believers worldwide attended the pilgrimage until the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world.

The celebration is held from the 8th  to the 13th  day of the final month in the Islamic calendar.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health Guidelines (Vaccinations for Hajj and Umrah in Manchester)

Before the pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health usually issues attendees’ vaccination and visa entry guidelines and requirements.

Physical fitness is essential for one to attend Hajj and Umrah.  It is therefore advisable not to attend the celebrations at Mecca if;

– You are elderly, about 65 years and above
– You have a terminal condition like cancer
– Someone has a health condition like liver cirrhosis, lung cancer, kidney problems, or heart diseases (cardiac arrests)
– Have health complications that affect your immune system
– You are pregnant
– You are underage, i.e., below 12 years of age

vaccinations hajj umrah Manchester

Vaccinations for Hajj and Umrah in Manchester

Vaccination is a requirement for the attendees of the pilgrimage. It should be issued no less than eight weeks before travelling.

It’s important to consult with your doctor for further advice on vaccination. You can also check out our previous blog post on Hajj and Umrah vaccinations here:

Find Out More

Meningococcal Meningitis (Meningitis ACWY)

The meningitis ACWY vaccine is important; it keeps you safe from septicaemia and helps improve your immune system to fight against meningitis. Septicaemia is blood poisoning that results from ACWY meningitis strains.

Therefore, it’s a requirement for those visiting Mecca for Hajj and Umrah to receive the meningitis ACWY vaccination regardless of their age. Those above two years have to show an ACWY vaccination certificate. This is a requirement before entry to Saudi Arabia. It’s also a requirement for those people who are traveling to Sub-Saharan African countries. They must receive the meningitis ACWY jab, and the certificate has to be provided ten days before arrival.

Learn more about the Meningitis vaccine here:

Learn More

vaccinations hajj umrah Manchester

Yellow Fever

Any traveller from yellow fever high-risk areas must be vaccinated and provide a certificate of yellow fever vaccination as proof. This is according to the International Health Regulations of 2005. You should get the vaccine 10 days prior to your visit.

Get Yellow Fever Vaccine

Polio

Regardless of your vaccination status or age, any traveller arriving from polio-endemic countries should receive one dose of OPV. Proof of the dose is required before departure for those travellers from re-established transmission areas when applying for visa entry to Saudi Arabia.

Get Polio Vaccine

Seasonal Flu Jab

In such pilgrim events as Hajj and Umrah, most people, including medical personnel, are at risk. Therefore, it’s advisable that everyone receives the seasonal influenza vaccination as a preventive measure.

How to book your vaccinations for Hajj and Umrah in Manchester

SM Travel clinic has your interest and health at heart. Contact us today and book an appointment with our professional pharmacists to receive your vaccination.

You can also check out the other services we provide in Manchester and across the UK.

Get Meningitis Vaccination Book Your Appointment

Our Vaccinations Travel Vaccine Guide

 

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