Hajj pilgrimage is the most significant and essential pilgrimage of the Islamic faith. Annually, millions travel for it through hajj packages 2022 for the holy rituals in Makkah. Considering such a huge number of pilgrims present in Haramain, health and safety are a priority. Though Saudi Authorities have a set of rules to follow in this regard, various guidelines are imposed on the pilgrims as well.
Getting necessary vaccinations before your departure to the kingdom remains the most important step in this regard. Pilgrims of hajj arriving in the region are only allowed to enter after receiving the necessary vaccination shots. Despite, pilgrims are also required to carry valid vaccination certificates for it because they can be asked to show proof of vaccination anytime.
On the other hand, if a pilgrim arrives being unvaccinated, he/she would be vaccinated on the spot or the ministry also has the right to cancel the visa of such an applicant.
Necessary vaccinations for hajj travel include;
Meningococcal Meningitis.
Pilgrims from all regions are necessarily required to administer a vaccination against Meningococcal Meningitis because the ministry is very strict about this particular vaccination. As a matter of fact, they can even reject your visa application if you fail to submit valid proof for it.
Adults, as well as children over the age of 2, need to have one dose of the ‘Quadrivalent Polysaccharide Vaccine’ for it.
A pilgrim should get a vaccine against Meningococcal Meningitis neither more than three years ago nor given less than 10 days ago before his/her departure.
Poliomyelitis.
Pilgrims who are traveling from the polio epidemic regions or countries where re-established transmission exists must take one dose of ‘oral polio vaccination’ before their departure.
Similar to Meningococcal Meningitis, polio vaccination is also necessary for everyone regardless of their age.
Proof of the vaccination required for it should be dated at least 6 weeks before the date of departure and not longer than that. Additionally, upon their arrival in the region, the travelers would also have to receive one additional dose of oral polio vaccination as well.
Yellow Fever.
Vaccination for yellow fever is only required from those pilgrims who are traveling from the regions where yellow fever exists as a prominent disease. Vaccination should be administered within a minimum of ten days before one’s travel to the kingdom.
Seasonal Influenza.
Though not a necessity, it's recommended for pilgrims to get a vaccination against seasonal influenza as well. Especially for those people who are more prone to such diseases. For example, pregnant women, elderly people, infants as well as people with allergies and asthma problems.
The type of vaccination(s) required from a pilgrim will differ depending on one’s region of travel. So, you can check the list of the countries that come under particular vaccination requirements and thus get the necessary vaccinations for it.
