As millions of pilgrims from all over the world converge, many of which are from low-income countries with minimal access to healthcare, the risk of infectious disease increases dramatically. The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health (MOH) has, therefore, stipulated that mandatory vaccinations have to be carried out prior to Hajj and Umrah visas being issued. Vaccination requirements vary depending on the country you are travelling from. Our Hajj and Umrah Vaccinations in Edinburgh will ensure that you stay secure and protected on your trip.
Health Regulations for Pilgrimage
Whichever type of pilgrimage you are planning to make, there are a number of health regulations to follow that are published by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health (MoH). These recommendations for travellers contain all the vaccine requirements for your entry into the country. Make sure you’re clued up on what you need to do before you make pilgrimage this year.
Respiratory Disease
Since its outbreak in 2012, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health has been trying to raise awareness of Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV): a viral respiratory infection that can initially cause a fever, cough, nose and throat congestion, diarrhea, and shortness of breath. If you have any of these symptoms after travelling to Saudi Arabia, seek medical advice as soon as possible. Those infected with MERS-CoV can also carry the infection to countries outside of the Middle East, so please take precaution when around those who have been on a recent pilgrimage.
For your own safety, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health recommends that the following people should delay taking Hajj or Umrah:
– Those with severe medical conditions like heart, kidney, or respiratory diseases
– Diabetics
– Those with immune deficiencies, terminal or malignant illnesses
– Those over 65 or under 12 years of age
– Pregnant women
Vaccinations
There are a number of different vaccines you could need before taking a trip to Saudi Arabia:
Yellow fever Vaccination: In accordance with the International Health Regulations 2005, all travelers arriving from countries or areas at risk of yellow fever must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate showing that the person was vaccinated at least 10 days and at most 10 years before arrival at the border.
Meningococcal Meningitis: Visitors arriving for the purpose of Umrah or pilgrimage (Hajj) or for seasonal work are required to submit a certificate of vaccination with the quadrivalent (ACYW135) vaccine against meningitis issued no more than 3 years and no less than 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia. The responsible authorities in the visitor’s country of origin should ensure that adults and children over the age of 2 years are given 1 dose of the quadrivalent polysaccharide (ACYW135) vaccine.
Seasonal Influenza: The Saudi Ministry of Health recommends that international pilgrims be vaccinated against seasonal influenza before arrival into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly those at increased risk of severe influenza diseases, including pregnant women, children under 5 years, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions such as HIV/AIDS, asthma, and chronic heart or lung diseases.
Please note that vaccinations can have side effects and for this reason, it is advisable to have them well before departure. This will provide sufficient time for immunity to develop as well as allowing the site of the injection to settle. Our Edinburgh travel clinic pharmacists have the needed training and are experts in administering these vaccinations. Head over to our main Edinburgh Travel Clinic website to begin your free consultation today for Hajj and Umrah Vaccinations in Edinburgh. Our pharmacists are waiting and are ready to give you the best services and ensure that you remain safe on your trip.