Hajj and Umrah pilgrims reminded of vaccinations needed to travel
People travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages are being urged to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations in order to travel safely.
Hajj and Umrah is expected to fall between 4 and 9 June, 2025, and all travellers should be up to date with routine vaccinations such as the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine.
In addition, the UK Heath Security Agency is urging travellers to Saudi Arabia to ensure they are vaccinated against meningococcal disease with the MenACWY vaccine, after it confirmed 5 cases of MenW disease earlier this year in people who had recently returned from Saudi Arabia, or in their close contacts.
Those undertaking Hajj or Umrah must present a valid certificate of MenACWY vaccination issued between 10 days and 3 to 5 years before arrival, depending on the type of MenACWY vaccine previously received.
The World Health Organization and the National Travel Health Network and Centre advise, however, that all travellers to Saudi Arabia should consider receiving the quadrivalent MenACWY vaccine, especially during the current MenW outbreak.
While abroad and in the 2 weeks after returning to the UK, people should monitor for symptoms like fever, a very bad headache, vomiting, stiff neck, rash, extreme sleepiness, and seizures. Symptoms may resemble flu initially and can appear in any order but can lead to serious illness within hours. Anyone who has symptoms and becomes concerned about their own or someone else’s health should seek immediate medical advice or dial 999 in an emergency.
Dr Naveed Syed, UKHSA West Midlands Health Protection Consultant and member of UKHSA’s Muslim Public Health Network, said: “Pilgrims are at increased risk from a range of vaccine preventable diseases, so anyone going to Hajj should be up to date with routine immunisations given in the UK.
“Parents should also make sure any children are up to date with their vaccinations, especially those for meningitis. Discuss with your GP what vaccinations are most appropriate before travel, and don’t forget to take a good supply of any regular medication. It’s also important to keep hydrated and wear sunscreen at this time of year.
“Pilgrims should avoid contact with camels or consuming camel products, to reduce risk of infection from MERS-CoV. Ceremonial head shaving for men, with shared razors, carries the risk of blood borne viral infections, so it’s important that this part of the Hajj observance is carried out by a licensed barber using a clean blade for each pilgrim. As always, practicing good hand and respiratory hygiene are great ways to stop bugs spreading.
“If you have symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath within 14 days of leaving Saudi Arabia or the Middle East, contact your GP or NHS 111 without delay and inform them of your recent travel history.”
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, added: “Large gatherings like Hajj and Umrah are associated with unique health risks and travellers should make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations as well as ensuring they practice good general health measures, such as regular hand washing with soap and water, to reduce the spread of infections.
“In particular, it’s crucial that pilgrims have had their MenACWY vaccine within the correct timescales, as they will be at increased risk of this particular infection due to the crowded conditions and possible close contact with people from countries with higher rates of meningococcal disease. Please follow the guidance to ensure your safety and wellbeing throughout your travels.”