Hajj is the
Islamic pilgrimage that takes place annually in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which is
the holiest city for Muslims. It is the largest annual gathering worldwide,
with Hajj 2019 recording about 2.5 million pilgrims. As such, general travel
requirements are supposed to be observed, such as getting vaccinated and
obtaining a hajj
vaccination certificate.
Before
setting out for hajj, pilgrims should consult a medical doctor and get
vaccinated before the trip. Such visitation should come at least six weeks before
the trip to give enough time for all the required vaccines. Pilgrims should,
therefore, include the hajj
vaccination cost in their budget as they prepare for the trip.
Throughout
the pilgrimage, pilgrims are expected to maintain basic hygiene practices to
prevent the spread of contagious diseases. The NHS, in collaboration with Saudi
Arabia’s Ministry of Health, has lately updated the travel recommendations and
vaccine requirements for the years to come.
Among the requirements of obtaining a visa to
Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage is submitting a meningitis certificate for hajj. Meningitis is one
of the many diseases that pilgrims should be vaccinated against before visiting
Saudi Arabia. Some countries also recommend that travellers should get vaccinated
against yellow fever and poliomyelitis.
Other travel
vaccinations Hillingdon clinics recommend include the hepatitis
A and B vaccines. Travellers are also required to have evidence of measles
immunity. Alternatively, NHS recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine before
travel, which should be separated by at least 28 days.
Most
importantly, pilgrims should also keep in mind getting the influenza vaccine injection for hajj. Given
the millions of pilgrims from over 180 countries, the chances of catching flu
can only get higher if vaccination is not administered. Other travel Hajj
travel insights include the risk of tuberculosis transmission due to the
crowded conditions.
