Meningitis ACWY
Hajj and Umrah are pilgrimages to Mecca for the Islamic religion that take place in Saudi Arabia. While Hajj takes place at specific times of the year, Umrah can take place at any time. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the pilgrimage was attended by over 1 million pilgrims across the globe annually. The Meningitis ACWY is highly recommended, and even mandatory for this travel.
The pilgrimage occurs from the eighth to thirteenth days of the Islamic calendar’s final (12th) month.
Travel Advice
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health usually issues the recommendations and requirements for vaccinations and entry visas for Hajj and Umrah every year.
It’s worth noting that Hajj and Umrah are physically demanding. Consider postponing your visit if you:
- Are above the age of 65
- Have health problems like lung, kidney, or heart disease
- Are suffering from a terminal sickness like cancer
- Have health issues that compromise your immune system
- Are pregnant
- Are aged 12 years and under
Meningococcal Vaccines
It is highly recommended that you get the Meningitis ACWY vaccine before going for Umrah or Hajj, irrespective of your age. It’s a requirement that pilgrims on Hajj and Umrah present an ACWY vaccination certificate if they are over the age of two and is an entry requirement to Saudi Arabia. You should get the certificate ten days before arriving.
The Meningitis ACWY vaccine protects you against meningitis and septicaemia that appears because of the ACWY strains of meningitis. You should also get the meningitis ACWY vaccine if you are travelling to countries such as Sub-Saharan Africa.