Hajj & Umrah are the most important spiritual deeds of worship for Muslims worldwide. The journey comes fully alive with the sacred bonds of religion and society and stories from the past. Before embarking on your holy pilgrimage, you must get certain vaccines before performing spiritual obligations.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health (MoH) annually issues rules and regulations to protect pilgrims during the holy journey. However, Umrah and Hajj vaccination standards and requirements may vary by country. In addition, the Saudi Ministry of Health (MoH) has taken steps to check vaccination certificates to enhance pilgrim safety. Vaccinations are a preventive measure with twin advantages: first, pilgrims become immune to diseases. Secondly, community health efforts widen for mass crowds like Hajj and Umrah. This blog will discuss the vaccinations you must get before going on the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage. 

Navigating Umrah Vaccination

Before going on an Umrah trip, pilgrims must get a vaccination. People who want to do Umrah should consult healthcare professionals to identify which immunisations are essential for holy pilgrims based on their health, route, and vaccination records. Getting vaccinated on time and following the recommended plan are the best ways to avoid what vaccines can prevent. 

Fulfilling the pilgrim’s vaccination requirements

People travelling from areas like London and Manchester City are comfortable finding the vaccine centre and fulfilling the requirements of the sacred journey. Healthcare facilities in metropolitan areas frequently provide additional services specific to the pilgrims; usually, they offer pre-travel health consultations and vaccinations. 

Before their London Umrah trip, pilgrims should schedule vaccine appointments to leave a margin for the oversight of the vaccine and for the immune system to react. Moreover, the fact that the ICVP (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis) in the paperwork indicates an observance of Saudi Ministry of Health (MoH) regulations is also integral.

Recommended vaccination for the sacred journey

Few vaccination requirements are in place for those planning to perform Umrah and Hajj, including adults and children aged one year or older. Some Hajj and Umrah vaccination requirements are as follows:

Yellow Fever

When a mosquito bites on the body a viral infection “Yellow fever” is transmitted. Symptoms include a high temperature, muscular soreness with a backache, feelings of nausea or sickness, and a reduced appetite.

Meningitis

Meningitis virus can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets by coughing, sharing drinks, foods, etc.

Meningococcal meningitis is a potentially fatal bacterial infection; however, the ACWY vaccine for Umrah and Hajj has significantly reduced the risk of this disease in humans. Only one Umrah injection dose of this vaccine provides years of protection. They want to ensure that every pilgrim possesses immunity against the identified illness.

Seasonal Flu

According to new Hajj & Umrah guidelines published by the Saudi Health Commission (MoH), all pilgrims must get a seasonal flu vaccine. Pilgrims, particularly those performing both Umrah and Hajj, should get their flu vaccination at least two weeks before travelling to the UK, as the environment in KSA is high-risk. These vaccines help to prevent the common flu.

Polio

Polio is a highly spreadable disease that can permanently or temporarily paralyse you. It mainly spreads through person-to-person contact and consuming infected food and drinks. To be safe from polio for life in the UK, you should get five shots of the vaccine. You must bring your polio immunisation certificate, as it is considered an important travel document that you need during your holy trip. 

Covid-19

COVID-19 is a very important vaccination. Pilgrims who are going to perform Umrah and Hajj must get COVID-19 dosages. COVID-19 is a highly effective virus that can spread from person to person by coughing and touching. The Ministry of Health recommends that travellers ages 12 years and above who plan to perform or attend Umrah or Hajj get the COVID-19 vaccine before arrival. 

Some Other Vaccinations

Other vaccines, such as mumps, measles, diphtheria, rubella, rabies, typhoid, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B, are also recommended. These vaccines are not binding, but they are thoroughly encouraged as an effective means to combat the routine infectious diseases found in most pilgrimage settings.

Conclusion

Finally, for a risk-free holy journey of Hajj and Umrah, be sure you have all the necessary vaccinations. To keep travellers safe from severe diseases like Yellow fever, Meningitis, Seasonal Flu, Polio, and COVID-19, the Saudi Health Ministry (MOH) requires them to get certain vaccines. Pilgrims must consult with healthcare professionals to identify what vaccinations they need based on their health and travelling route. Completing these immunisations in advance and getting a vaccination certificate is essential to ensure compliance and safety. Getting the right vaccines helps people stay healthy and supports the community’s health during the sacred trip