What vaccines do I need for umrah?
Whether you are travelling with all-inclusive Cheap umrah packages or luxury ones, getting vaccinated is among the prerequisites of pilgrimage travel. To ensure the health and safety of every pilgrim arriving in the region, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah makes it mandatory for pilgrims to receive necessary vacations before they can enter the boundaries of Makkah and Madinah.
These vaccination types differ based on your region of travel, your nationality as well as specific policies that are ever-changing. That’s why it is advised to consult the relevant authorities for the most updated information on vacation requirements for Umrah pilgrims. Therefore, all of it helps to control the spread of viral and bacterial diseases in the region to ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage experience for everyone.
Here’s a brief description of the vaccines you need for Umrah.
Routine Vaccinations:
Umrah vaccinations are necessary for every pilgrim. Though these vacations are specific to your travel route, some vaccines are essential for all of the pilgrims regardless of their travel region. Such as vaccinations against;
• Diphtheria.
• Tetanus.
• Pertussis.
• Polio.
• Measles.
• Varicella.
• Mumps.
Administering all of these routine vaccines is vital not only to provide comprehensive protection against preventable diseases but also to ensure your seamless entry into the kingdom.
Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccine:
Travellers from specific countries, especially lying in sub-Saharan Africa, necessarily require the Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine for their entry into Saudi Arabia.
Vaccination for Meningococcal Meningitis should receive this vaccine not less than ten days before they arrive in the kingdom as well as having its validity up to three years from the date of administration.
After you’ve taken this vaccination, the proof for it i.e. vaccination certificate is mandatory to carry because you may require it to show to the relevant authorities.
COVID-19 Vaccination:
In response to the global pandemic, Hajj and Umrah pilgrims may or may not be required to administer COVID-19 vaccination. Though this vaccination was necessary for travel in the previous years, its requirement no longer persists for most of the countries and pilgrims. Yet, it is advised to check the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s official website to get the latest information on the matter, enhancing pilgrim and community safety.
Seasonal influenzas:
Pilgrims should also take a vaccination against seasonal influenza as a precautionary measure. This vaccination is especially advised for people having asthmatic or breathing problems; and allergic issues as well as for pregnant women. So that safe and healthy travel remains ensured.
Polio Vaccine:
Polio vaccination is also a requirement for hajj and Umrah travel. However, it is only specific to countries where the disease has its outbreaks. For instance, Pakistan, Afghanistan, etc. So, for the travellers from these regions, a polio booster should be administered if they haven’t received one within the last 6 months. In addition, some pilgrims may also get an additional oral polio vaccine dose upon their arrival in the Kingdom to ensure protection against the rebirth of this infectious disease during the pilgrimage.
Yellow Fever Vaccine:
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is one of the requirements for obtaining an Umrah visa let alone travelling for the pilgrimage. Especially for pilgrims who are travelling from yellow fever–endemic countries to prevent the introduction and spread of yellow fever within the region.
Pre-Travel Health Risk Assessment:
In addition to getting these vaccinations, a pre-travel health risk assessment is also advised for the pilgrims who are;
- Elderly
- Suffering from any chronic disease.
- On a medical treatment.
This assessment must be undertaken at least 6 to 8 weeks before travel and should consist of health recommendations based on your health history. So that you can take the necessary precautions for healthy travel.
Other vaccinations to consider:
- Hepatitis A and B Vaccination.
- Typhoid
- Tuberculosis
- Japanese Encephalitis.
- Rabies
- Malaria Prophylaxis.
- Pneumococcal
- Rubella
- Varicella (Chickenpox).
- Pertussis
That’s why all of the pilgrims are advised to consult a registered medical practitioner from a certified health facility and then take the necessary vaccination for their Umrah travel based on another travel region, individual requirements and health safety. So, if you are booking December Umrah Packages, consider these tips for an efficient travel experience.