Meningitis Vaccination for Hajj and Umrah

Every year millions of muslims from around the world travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj and Umrah. It is a health requirement for the individuals travelling to perform either of these pilgrimages to have been vaccinated against Meningococcal ACW135. The certificate issued at the time of vaccination is a mandatory requirement for the visa application by Saudi Arabia. The Omnicare Pharmacy Travel Clinic can help you fulfil this requirement by providing the vaccination to all ages.

It is important to note, although evidence suggests the conjugate vaccine (e.g. Menveo or Nimenrix) confers immunity for up to 10 years, the Saudi Arabian Government will not accept a certificate this old. Visa restrictions require the certificate to be issued at least 10 days before travel and cannot be older than 5 years. For the polysaccharide vaccine the time is even shorter at 3 years.*

Visitors to Saudi Arabia during the pilgrimage are at an increased risk of contracting meningitis A, C, W135 and Y as they are in close contact with a large group of people from all over the world. There is then an increased risk the virus may be contracted and brought back to the UK. A single vaccine reduces this risk significantly.

For more information on Hajj and Umrah, please click here

*Restrictions are subject to change but were correct at time of printing (07/2020)