Travel Clinic

Hajj and Umrah

Before embarking on your Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage, it is important to seek travel advice from a trusted source. This includes information on necessary vaccinations to protect against illnesses prevalent in the region.

Don't let an avoidable illness ruin your once-in-a-lifetime journey. Take the necessary precautions and stay safe while fulfilling your spiritual obligation.

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Hajj & Umrah Pilgrimage Vaccinations

The Meningococcal (ACWY) Vaccine is available to Muslim Pilgrims travelling for Hajj and Umrah at Wimbledon Park Travel Clinic, at a cost of £45.00*

The meningococcal (ACWY) vaccine is a health requirement for individuals performing Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca which able-bodied Muslims are expected to undertake at least once in their lives.

This vaccine must be given no more than three years before travel and no less than 10 days before you are planning to arrive in Saudi Arabia.

It is also recommended to ensure you are up to date with tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis A vaccinations and also consider typhoid vaccinations.

Hajj will take place once each year and as the vaccination is required before travel paperwork can be completed, we are urging people to prepare early. If you require a vaccination, call us now on 020 8946 0414 for any advice or to arrange a suitable time to be vaccinated. Alternatively, you can visit any of our branches at your convenience. There is no need for an appointment.

Wimbledon Park Travel clinic (D Parry Pharmacy) also offers a Ramadan Medicines Use Review to Muslims who take prescription medicines and are fasting during Ramadan. Our specialist Pharmacists can also support those who are looking to stop smoking, through our Stop Smoking Service.

*Cost per person per dose. Our Hajj and Umrah Vaccination Service includes the conjugated meningococcal ACWY vaccination, administration and a certificate.

Malaria medication is not usually recommended for Saudi Arabia, but mosquito bite avoidance advice, and general travel health recommendations is given to help you prepare for your Hajj or Umrah.

For more information on Hajj and Umrah Vaccination requirements, vist the Fit for Travel website. Or call us now at Wimbledon Park Travel clinic on 020 8946 0414.

What vaccines do you need for Hajj & Umrah ?

Meningitis ACWY

In order to obtain a visa for entry into Saudi Arabia, all those arriving to perform Hajj or Umra, or undertake seasonal work, are required to have a valid certificate of vaccination against meningococcal disease.

All adults and children aged over two years should be given a single dose of the meningococcal ACWY vaccine:

Conjugate ACWY vaccine – given not more than five years and not less than ten days before arrival in Saudi Arabia

At our pharmacy, we always use the Conjugate vaccine as this provides better and longer protection against Meningitis ACWY.

Polio

Pilgrims & seasonal workers coming from the UK are recommended to have the polio vaccination, which is combined with diphtheria and tetanus and provides protection for up to 10 years. However, proof of vaccination against polio within the last 12 months is required for pilgrims & seasonal workers arriving from:

Afghanistan, Pakistan & Nigeria
Countries which remain vulnerable to polio [see Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health

Yellow Fever

All pilgrims to Hajj &Umrah arriving from countries at risk for transmission of yellow fever must produce a valid certificate documenting yellow fever vaccination. The following countries are deemed to be at risk of yellow fever transmission:

Africa:

Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, The Republic of South Soudan, Togo and Uganda.

Americas:

Argentina, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guyana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Bolivia, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago.

Seasonal Flu

The Ministry of Health for Saudi Arabia recommend that pilgrims are vaccinated against seasonal flu with the most recently available vaccine. Hajj and Umrah pose an increased risk due to the crowded conditions and close contact. Vaccination is strongly recommended for those who are at increased risk of severe disease including:

Pregnant women
Elderly individuals (over 65 years)
Those with pre-existing medical conditions

The flu vaccine is available for free under the NHS for the above, so please check with our pharmacist.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection transmitted through contaminated food and water or by direct contact with an infectious person.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus is found in body fluids and can be transmitted through the skin by the use of contaminated medical, dental, or other instruments.

One of the rites of Hajj is for men to have their head shaved. The Saudi authorities provide licensed barbers with a new blade to use for each pilgrim. However, unlicensed barbers may not conform to this standard. Pilgrims should avoid shaving with a blade previously used by another, as this could result in transmission of hepatitis B and other blood borne infections such as hepatitis C, for which there is no vaccine. Pilgrims can consider taking with them a disposable razor for personal use during this rite.

All pilgrims should consider receiving hepatitis B vaccine prior to travel.

MMR

All pilgrims should ensure that they are up-to-date with routine immunisations including measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Pilgrims should check this with their GP surgery and if they are not vaccinated, they should complete the primary course (2 vaccines) before pilgrimage to Hajj & Umrah.

What other health risks are there ?

Malaria

Malaria is not present in Medina or Makkah [Mecca] (or in the cities of Jeddah, Riyadh and Ta’if or areas of Asir province above 2,000m), but malaria is a risk in the south-western provinces of Saudi Arabia (including Asir province below 2,000m). Pilgrims planning further travel before or after Hajj or Umrah to malaria risk areas in Saudi Arabia or Asia, Africa and Latin America, should seek advice from our Pharmacist.

Travellers' Diarrhoea

Dehydration can occur with diarrhoea and is of particular risk in hot weather. Babies, infants, the elderly and those with long-term medical conditions are more vulnerable to dehydration.

All pilgrims are advised to take personal, food and water hygiene precautions.

Travellers should also take with them oral rehydration therapy and self-treatment for diarrhoea. Standby antibiotic treatment can be considered, especially for those travellers who have an underlying medical condition. Please ask our pharmacist for more information.

Stay safe on your travels

As you embark on your adventures, it's vital to prioritize safety. Don't forget to visit a travel clinic before your trip to ensure you have all necessary vaccinations and medications. Stay safe on your travels by being prepared and taking necessary precautions. Being proactive about health can make all the difference.