Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca), in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is one of the largest gatherings of its kind in the world.

The Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia issue their requirements and recommendations for Hajj and Umrah annually.

Performing the rituals of the Hajj and Umrah is demanding and often involves walking long distances in hot weather. Pilgrims must ensure that they are as physically fit as possible.

All pilgrims who intend to undertake Hajj or Umrah and seasonal workers, are required to provide a valid vaccination certificate with a Quadrivalent (ACWY) meningococcal vaccine administered no less than 10 days prior to arrival in KSA in order to obtain a visa for entry.

You should aim to get the ACWY jab at least two weeks before you travel. The course consists of one dose, Injected in the upper arm. Boosters aren’t currently recommended. However, you can get a booster five years after your last jab if you need it for a meningitis ACWY certificate. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination.

We keep a complete manual and electronic record of each vaccination administered; so, in the event of a lost certificate, we can trace our records and reissue another certificate at a small cost without the need of another vaccination.

Students: It is especially recommended that students attending university for the first time receive a single dose of Meningitis ACWY.

The ACWY vaccine can cause mild side effects, such as redness and swelling at the injection site and tiredness. Some people also report having a high temperature as a result of the injection. In children, the vaccine can be given from birth.

Additional precautions: Early treatment is vital – if you or a fellow traveller show symptoms of meningitis, seek medical attention immediately. The ACWY vaccine does not protect against meningitis B.

Influenza is easily transmitted in crowded conditions. Where travel cannot be avoided, pilgrims in clinical risk groups for influenza should receive influenza vaccine annually from their usual healthcare provider.