Hajj and Umrah Service

If you want to enjoy your Hajj and Umrah experience, it is important to prepare carefully to ensure you are safe. The pilgrimage involves the risk of exposure to a variety of potential illnesses. Many of these dangers cannot be mitigated through vaccination, but some can. That makes Meningitis ACWY and other available vaccines even more important, so be sure to get your vaccination certificates.

Anyone over the age of 2 participating in the Hajj must be vaccinated for meningitis. This serious respiratory infection has spread rapidly among previous pilgrims. Without proof of vaccination, it is impossible to acquire a visa to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Our Meningitis ACWY vaccination is offered with the assistance of our partners at the Muslim Council of Britain. If you plan to travel for the Hajj and Umrah, we can provide you not just with the vaccination, but a certificate of proof. It is recommended that you receive the vaccine a minimum of ten days before arriving in the Kingdom. If your vaccine was given more than three years ago, it will no longer be valid. We also advise that you receive the MMR vaccine, and vaccinations for diphtheria and polio, tetanus, pneumonia, hepatitis A and hepatitis B when visiting the country.

Protect yourself against Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-COV)

As many as 50% of people infected with Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-COV) will experience serious respiratory symptoms, and it can be fatal. The condition is widespread in Saudi Arabia, with new cases constantly being reported and no current effective vaccination or treatment. It is often transmitted between humans who are breathing in close contact. This makes the risk of infection much higher when travelling in crowded areas, such as the Hajj. The Ministry of Health has issued guidelines to minimise the spread:

Prevention

Hand washing, preferably with soap and water, but hand sanitiser can be used as an alternative.
Cover both nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, then immediately dispose of the tissue.
Cover your mouth and nose with a mask, particularly in a crowded area.
Do not touch your nose, mouth or eyes directly with your hands.
Do not share personal belongings such as cups and utensils that involve physical contact.
Avoid kissing.
Avoid contact with camels, as they can carry the disease. This includes not drinking camel milk or eating camel meat that has not been thoroughly cooked.

If you experience symptoms such as coughing, fever and shortness of breath, which can be signs of MERS-COV, you should immediately contact a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Check your health

It is important to ensure you are healthy enough to travel, especially if you have pre-existing conditions. Make an appointment with your GP for a full checkup before you leave. The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health recommends that some specific categories of people postpone Hajj and Umrah rituals at the current time:

Those with immune deficiency, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases or chronic conditions affecting the heart, lungs or kidneys. The elderly, pregnant women or the very young.

You should also take preventative steps to avoid diarrhoea.

Many pilgrims experience dehydration and diarrhoea during the Hajj and Umrah. The risk can be mitigated by drinking boiled or bottled water and not using ice in your drinks, as well as avoiding raw or undercooked fruit, salad and meat. Wash your hands thoroughly when using the bathroom, and both before and after cooking or eating. Keep hand sanitiser with you at all times. Bring your own cup to the Haram to drink Zam Zam water, and do not share cups or bottles. Keep rehydration sachets and loperamide with you as anti-diarrhoea medication, and consider carrying antibiotics that you can self-administer.

Hajj/Umrah medical kit

Always pack a personal medical kit and carry it with you at all times. As well as diarrhoea relief medication, it should incorporate face masks, hand sanitiser, painkillers, plasters, dressings, suncream, insect repellent, antiseptic and antifungal cream. This should allow you to manage the most frequent illnesses and injuries.

Sun Protection

Saudi Arabia is very hot, which means there is a high risk of sunburn, dehydration and sunburn. Drink water frequently, stay in the shade where possible and take regular breaks. Sun cream should be at least SPF 15 and applied and reapplied to any exposed skin throughout the day. Sunglasses and umbrellas can also provide protection from the brightness of the sun. Where possible, perform rituals in the evening when it is cooler.

Look after your feet

You should be alert to heavy or fast-moving traffic. Some times of day are particularly crowded and therefore present increased risk of falling or being trampled. Rituals such as stone throwing tend to have larger crowds. Carry your medical information, including your doctor’s name and details of any prescriptions, with you at all times, and purchase suitable health insurance beforehand.

HIV and Hepatitis B can both be spread through contaminated blades, so if you plan to shave your head, use your own razor and ensure any barber is fully licensed.

Label your luggage clearly with your name, phone number, hotel, passport number and flight number. Do not leave it unattended and be careful with your personal belongings.

Avoiding accidents

HIV and Hepatitis B can both be spread through contaminated blades, so if you plan to shave your head, use your own razor and ensure any barber is fully licensed.

Label your luggage clearly with your name, phone number, hotel, passport number and flight number. Do not leave it unattended and be careful with your personal belongings.

Physical fitness

Regular exercise can help you build your fitness to ensure you are ready for the physical challenges of the Hajj and Umrah, such as travelling long distances on foot and performing sometimes gruelling rituals under the hot sun.

Service details

Price: Minimal charge

Frequency: As needed

Vaccination table: Here