Meningitis ACWY and Seasonal Flu Vaccines Needed For This Year's Hajj: News From The Travel Clinic Cambridge and Ipswich

Every year Muslims from all over the world attend the Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is currently the largest annual pilgrimage in the world and is an obligation that must be carried out at least once in every Muslim’s lifetime.

This year the Hajj will take place between 25^th-29^th November and about three million pilgrims are likely to travel to Mecca this year.

Due to the large amounts of people meeting in one area the spread of disease is common. The Saudi government has issued strict rules on the vaccination requirements of all Muslims intending to travel to the Hajj and before being allowed entry to the country.

Incoming travellers from all countries must provide a valid certificate against seasonal flu before acquiring a Hajj visa. The certificate should be at least two weeks old, to allow for full immunity to have been developed from the vaccination.

Incoming travellers to the Hajj or Umrah or for seasonal work in the areas of Hajj from any country are required to have a valid vaccination certificate against Meningococcal Meningitis ACYW135 strain stating that the traveller has received it 10 days earlier and no more than 3 years prior to their arrival.

Incoming travellers from all countries must provide valid certificate against seasonal flu at least two weeks before acquiring a Hajj visa, if the vaccination is universally available.

Expert advice also suggests those who are very young, the elderly, pregnant women and those with chronic diseases should stay away from the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages for this year because of the potential risk of an outbreak of Swine flu and for their own safety.

At The Travel Clinic Ltd we offer vaccinations against Meningitis ACWY and seasonal flu and can also provide certificates. For prices and more information please visit our website or call us on 01223 367362.

www.travelclinic.ltd.uk