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Vaccines for Umrah & Hajj: Updated May 2018
Vaccines for Umrah & Hajj: Updated May 2018
Below are the vaccines that are required by Saudi authorities as well as those recommended by health experts for travel to places where mass gatherings occur such as Umrah and Hajj. This useful list is compiled by Dr Salim Parker for the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa (IMASA) for distribution.
A full medical chapter can be accessed at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/select-destinations/saudi-arabia-hajj-umrah-pilgrimage
REQUIRED
Quadrivalent Meningococcal Vaccine
- This is a visa requirement for Hajj and Umrah. The current available vaccine, though only licenced from 9 months to 55 years in South Africa, is still recommended for all adult pilgrims irrespective of age by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), USA, the Saudi Ministry of Health and by South African meningitis experts. The vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective in older age groups. It is valid for 5 years. More information at: http://www.hajjdoctor.co.za/publications/2017/publications/August-Publications.pdf
Yellow Fever Vaccine
- The Royal Saudi Embassy in Pretoria requires proof of this vaccine. It is not to be used for those allergic to eggs, pregnant women, those with cancer or on cancer treatment, and those whose immune systems are compromised. Age over 60 is NOT a CONTRAINDICATION but a CAUTION and the travel medicine practitioner should assess the safety of the vaccine for every pilgrim. If the risk of the vaccine is considered to be greater than the benefit in these travellers, then a waiver letter by a travel medicine practitioner should be issued. The updated Saudi Ministry for Health guidelines, published in May 2018, states that ‘the yellow fever vaccination certificate is valid for life starting 10 days after vaccination.’ In a few circumstances revaccination after 10 years may be indicated.
RECOMMENDED
Influenza Vaccine
- This is not a visa requirement but is highly recommended. Two thirds of South African Hajj travellers become ill every year with more than 70% having flu-like symptoms. The influenza vaccine is relatively effective, cheap and, contrary to widely held perceptions, DOES NOT CAUSE DISEASE. It is an inactivated vaccine and can protect the pilgrim in close to 50% of cases or reduce the severity of the disease. It is especially recommended for the older pilgrim and those with medical problems such as diabetes, heart and lung conditions. More information can be found at: http://www.hajjdoctor.co.za/publication and click on: Influenza: what lies ahead?
Pneumoccoccal Vaccine
- Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation during Hajj. The older pilgrim, those with diabetes, heart patients, asthmatics and patients with chronic lung disease, as well as those with impaired immunity, are strongly advised to have this vaccine. See: http://www.hajjdoctor.co.za/hajj-travel
Routine Adult Vaccines
- Pilgrims are also advised to ensure that their diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP) and polio vaccines are up to date. A single vaccine effective against all four diseases is available. Hepatitis A vaccine is also recommended especially for younger pilgrims. Typhoid and Hepatitis B vaccines are not routinely advised and depends on the prevalence of the diseases.