Hajj Vaccination
Hajj
Hajj is the largest annual pilgrimage that happens for a week and witnesses Muslims from all over the world. It occurs from the 8th-13th day of the 12th month in the Islamic calendar (Dhu al-Hijjah). The Gregorian date of Hajj is eleven days earlier from year to year.
Vaccine Requirements
As per Hajj vaccination requirements, residents of UK are required to produce a certificate of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis infection ACWY. As per Hajj vaccination requirements, residents of UK are required to produce a certificate of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis infection ACWY. In UK, visas will not be issued unless you have proof of vaccination, at least 10 days prior to the expected date of entry. Without this you will not be able to ascertain a visa thus be able to attend the annual Hajj pilgrim.
Seasonal Influenza
Women who are pregnant, children over 5 years, the elderly, those with chronic chest or heart disease, diabetes or immunosuppression are advised to get seasonal influenza vaccine for Hajj before arrival.
Measles and Rubella
Since the recent resurgence of measles and rubella; from 2016, Hajj has strongly recommended immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases to all the travelers.
Other necessary precautions
- Because Hajj is the biggest and busiest pilgrimage of its kind; accidents and injuries can happen. Therefore, it’s essential that you are fully prepared with a complete travel and medical insurance certificate.
- For male pilgrims, one of the biggest health risks is the head shaving ritual that one has to perform at the end of the pilgrimage. Do not use a non-sterile or share razor blades, this can pass on blood-borne infections like Hepatitis B, C, and HIV.
- Saudi Arabia will have excruciating heat at that time of the year. Keep yourself hydrated to avoid heat-related illnesses like sunstroke, sunburn, dehydration and heat stroke or exhaustion.
- Travelers’ diarrhea is a common disease during Hajj. Avoid contaminated food.
- To avoid the incidence of Malaria, apply a good insect repellent and avoid mosquito bites. Ensure you have taken an anti-malarial vaccination. All are readily available through our pharmacy and travel clinic.
We encourage all those ready to embark on Hajj to visit our Hillingdon Travel Clinic not only to be immunised, but so that you can be sure you have taken every precaution necessary and available allowing you to have a safe trip away from home.
