Hajj and Umrah are religious pilgrimages to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Hajj is a mandatory Pilgrimage for every Muslim to take once in their lifetime, given that the individual is physically and financially able.
It takes place in the last month of the Islamic calendar and is taken annually by 2.5 million Muslims worldwide pre-pandemic. Whereas, Umrah is a shorter pilgrimage to Mecca taken any time of the year.
Muslims from all over the world gather annually in Mecca in a display of unity, faith and solidarity. Due to the large number of participants performing the pilgrimage there are some health risks you should be aware of.
There are also health requirements set by the Health Ministry of Saudi Arabia that you could affect your VISA. It is good to be aware of those requirements before travelling.
COVID-19 Requirements:
Ministry of Health KSA states that in order to perform Hajj pilgrims, one must have the proof for the following:
- A full course of COVID-19 vaccinations (second dose of a two dose vaccine or received a single dose vaccine) approved by the Saudi Ministry of Health. The approved vaccines’ list can be found here – Ministry of Health Approved Vaccines.
- There is no longer a requirement for PCR testing to perform Hajj or to enter KSA.
Vaccine Requirements:
A pre-travel consultation should be scheduled at least 4 weeks before your trip.
Any mandatory or advised vaccinations will be discussed with a nurse and can be given in the appointment. Follow up doses can also be arranged in the appointment.
Before travelling to Hajj or Umrah, it is recommended that pilgrims be up-to-date with all of their wellness vaccinations.
– Meningitis
All British citizens travellers performing Umrah or Hajj are required to submit a valid Meningitis ACWY vaccination certificate in order to obtain a visa. The MenACWY vaccine protects against meningitis (strains A, C, W & Y) and sepsis. Adults and children over the age of 2 are required to have the vaccine and provide evidence of immunisation no less than 10 days before you plan to arrive in Saudi Arabia. This requirement also applies to seasonal workers in Hajj areas.
You may also want to consider Meningitis B vaccine – this is not a mandatory VISA requirement.
If you require a vaccination, you can choose from our available appointments online – click to book your appointment.
– Covid-19
All travellers must be vaccinated against Covid-19 to perform Hajj Pilgrim. The vaccines that are approved by the Ministry of Health KSA can be found here – Ministry of Health Approved Vaccines.
– Polio
Travellers from countries reporting positive environmental sources samples of circulating vaccine derived polio virus 2 (cVDPV2), including the UK, are recommended to be vaccinated with at least one dose of IPV within the previous 12 months and at least four weeks prior to arrival, however there is no polio vaccination certificate requirement.
A polio certificate requirement will only apply to UK pilgrims if they are travelling to KSA via a country reporting WPV1, cVDPV1 or cases of cVDPV2 or Acute Flaccid Paralysis, and not if they are travelling directly to KSA from the UK.
If you require a vaccination, you can choose from our available appointments online – click to book your appointment.
– Flu Vaccine
Since both Hajj and Umrah both pose crowded conditions and close contact, seasonal flu vaccination is advised, especially for those who are more vulnerable to severe influenza diseases. This precautionary measure will help reduce the potential spread of the flu.
If you require a vaccination, you can choose from our available appointments online – click to book your appointment.
– Hepatitis B
Hep B is spread by contaminated blood and bodily fluid. Pilgrims who intend to shave their heads as one of the rites of Hajj should consider taking the vaccination. Although licensed barbers performing head shaving are obliged to use a new blade for each pilgrim, unlicensed barbers may not adhere to this practice. Vaccinations require 3 injections to be given over a 3 week period and can be given from birth.
If you require a vaccination, you can choose from our available appointments online – click to book your appointment.
– Rabies
Rabies is spread through the bite of an infected animal such as cats, dogs, monkeys and bats. Saudi Arabia is classified as a high-risk country for rabies. Full protection is achieved with 3 doses – 3 vaccinations usually given over a 3 week period, however, we do offer a rapid course which can achieve full protection in 7-days. The rabies vaccine can be given from birth.
If you require a vaccination, you can choose from our available appointments online – click to book your appointment.
TRAVELLERS’ DIARRHOEA
Travellers’ diarrhoea can occur in up to 60% of travellers. Although most cases are mild, taking sensible precautions with food and water can reduce the risk. Carrying medicines for self-treatments is useful such as antibiotics – take our Online Travellers’ Diarrhoea Consultation to see if it is suitable for us to prescribe you standby Travellers’ Diarrhoea treatment.
The best protection are preventative measures such as drinking bottled or purified water, washing your hands thoroughly and frequently and eating well-cooked, hot food.
Fore more information on Travellers’ Diarrhoea.
CLIMATE HEALTH
Saudi Arabia has had some of the hottest temperatures on record this year. Exposure to such high temperatures increases sweating, and results in loss of fluid and electrolytes which can cause rapid dehydration. This can result in heat exhaustion or heat stroke which can be life threatening if not dealt with promptly.
Heat related illness can be avoided by the following:
- Seek shelter and shade during the middle of the day (11am-3pm) when temperatures are the hottest
- If you are outside, ensure you protect your skin against the sun with high factor sun cream
- Wear loose fitting, lightweight and light colour clothing
- Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
- Ensure you are taking sufficient salt in your diet (sweating leads to electrolyte and salt depletion)
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen heat related illnesses
GENERAL HEALTH:
Both Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages require strenuous effort, it is worth considering having a full body medical check up before you travel to ensure you are in good health. To prepare for the miles of walking, try increasing your physical activities to improve mobility and movement. In case of unforeseen circumstances, remember to pack a first aid kit and extra supplies of any prescribed medication you are currently taking. We have an onsite pharmacy if you’d like to purchase any of these items during your appointment, speak with your GP or nurse whilst at the clinic.
DENGUE AND MALARIA:
Dengue is spread by day-biting mosquitoes and Malaria by mosquitoes that are active at night. You can reduce your risk of insect bites by using effective insect repellents and protective clothing. You can also sleep under a mosquito net that is impregnated with insecticide to have a peaceful sleep.
If you require complete protection from bugs and mosquitoes, you can check out our ultimate bug kit here.
Delaying your period:
If you decide you would like to delay your period for pilgrimage, you can do so by taking hormonal medication. In advance of your trip, book an appointment with a GP to discuss your options as soon as possible.
When you get home:
If you return home unwell it is important to book an appointment with a GP to determine the cause. If your symptoms worsen or becoming life-threatening do not wait to see a doctor, go straight to A&E for urgent medical care.
If you return with a stomach bug or persistent travellers’ diarrhoea, you may want to consider booking a Gastrointestinal (GI) Panel PCR test – it looks for any microbes (bacteria, viruses & parasites) that may be causing your symptoms and can quickly identify the exact cause. Results can be provided in as little as 1-hour, so that accurate and effective treatment can begin straight away. Firstly, you need to book a GP appointment, express your interest in a GI PCR test and they will advise whether you are suitable or not.
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