If you are going on Hajj or Umrah Pilgrimage, you need to get the required vaccination and obtain a certificate for it. Chana Chemist branches in Harlesden and Willesden area offer complete vaccination with certificate for Hajj and Umrah.

Have you decided to make the journey of your life time, to perform the Hajj or Umrah?

If your answer is yes or you are planning to go for the pilgrimage in the future, then read this important article. As with any other holidays or trips, you need to plan ahead to ensure that your journey is smooth, safe and stress free.

One of the key requirements to enter Saudi Arabia during the Hajj and Umrah is to have a valid certificate for vaccination of Meningitis ACWY135, dated at least 10 days prior to your entry date. Some people either forget this entirely or leave it very late. You should plan well ahead and get vaccinated and obtain a certificate of vaccination that is accepted by the Saudi Arabian authorities. There are sometimes shortages of the vaccination so it’s important that you get this done as early as possible.

Hajj

The Hajj is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world, with around 3.7 million pilgrims participating

The pilgrimage occurs from the 8th-13th day of the 12th month in the Islamic calendar (Dhu al-Hijjah).The Islamic calendar is eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar used in the western world. The Gregorian date of the Hajj is eleven days earlier from year to year. In 2019 Hajj will fall between the 9th and 14th of August

Umrah

The Umrah unlike the Hajj, is a pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken at any time of the year. Umrah is not compulsory but highly recommended in Islam. Umrah is of two types

One can be combined with the Hajj (Umrat al-tammatu) or another taken independently of the Hajj (al-Umrat al mufradah).

Traveling from the UK

If you’re traveling from the UK, you’ll need the vaccine against Meningococcal Meningitis ACWY. Anyone over the age of 2 making an Umrah or Hajj pilgrimage, or even anyone planning on a work trip to the Hajj area, will need to bring a certificate of vaccination. Certificate of vaccination is required to get a visa.

Hajj and Umrah Vaccination Requirements

Meningococcal Meningitis

Visitors arriving for Umrah, Hajj or for seasonal work in Hajj zones, are required to submit a valid vaccination certificate with a Quadrivalent (ACWY) meningococcal vaccine administered no less than 10 days prior to arrival to Saudi Arabia.

How long does meningitis ACWY vaccine last?

(ACWY) meningococcal vaccine should be administered no less than 10 days prior to arrival to Saudi Arabia.

Vaccination with ONE of the following vaccines is acceptable:

• Quadrivalent (ACWY) polysaccharide vaccine within the last 3 years.
• Quadrivalent (ACWY) conjugate vaccine within the last 5 years.

Note: If the vaccine type is not indicated in the certificate, the certificate will be valid for 3 years.

Meningitis vaccine side effects

Side effects are most commonly mild and short lived. They include erythema, induration, tenderness or pain at the injection site. Very rarely headache, fatigue and fever have been reported. Miscellaneous neurological reactions have been reported rarely, but no causal relationship to ACWY Vax has been established.

Why was Meningitis ACWY135 made compulsory?

Before the meningitis vaccination was made compulsory for all pilgrims, there were numerous cases of the meningitis amongst pilgrims caused by various strains of meningitis. To ensure that the pilgrimage is safe for everyone, the Saudi Arabian authorities made it compulsory for visitor to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj and Umrah season to have the meningitis ACWY vaccinations prior to entering the country. Not only is it compulsory to have the vaccination but also it helps you to protect yourself and the millions of other fellow pilgrims.

Where can I get my meningitis vaccination in North London?

At Chana Chemist, we have vaccinated thousands of pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah purposes. Our friendly staff will make you feel welcomed and our experienced pharmacists will provide you with all the information you need and deliver a safe, convenient and stress-free vaccination.

Does the meningitis shot hurt?

If you are afraid of needles, don’t worry, our pharmacists have experience in delivering vaccination to nervous patients. Post vaccination, you will be given a certificate that meets the Saudi Arabia authorities requirements.

Where can I get more information about meningitis ACWY vaccinations ?

If you require further information about the meningitis ACWY vaccinations or the meningitis disease. please visit NHS fitfortravel website.

Recommended Vaccines for Hajj and Umrah

All travellers should ensure that they are up-to-date with the recommended immunisations for life in the UK e.g. 5 doses of tetanus vaccine and five doses of polio vaccine. If it has been more than 10 years since the traveller’s last dose of polio vaccine a booster dose should be given.

Seasonal Influenza

The Saudi MoH recommends seasonal influenza vaccine for Hajj attendees before arrival.

Measles and Rubella

With the recent resurgence of measles and rubella cases, special attention is needed for both of these diseases to avoid widespread outbreaks during this year’s Hajj and Umrah. Check that you are immune, either from previous immunisation (2 doses of MMR) or natural measles infection.

• Other vaccine recommendations for Saudi Arabia are available on the country record.

General Advice

Before you travel for the Hajj, you should carefully consider the information and advice on the website of the Saudi Arabia Embassy in London, and in the Health section of this travel advice.

Saudi government regulations require British pilgrims performing Umrah and Hajj to travel with a reputable UK travel agency that is accredited with the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. and covered by ATOL. If you don’t use an approved travel agent, or get a valid visa and permit, you may risk immediate deportation, detention, a fine or a ban on future travel to Saudi Arabia.

For pilgrimage, you must have:

• an identification card and wristband issued by your Hajj travel agent
• a valid permit to perform Hajj
• a vaccination certificate – for more information, check the National Travel Health Network and Centre website

Make sure you keep your permit and identification card with you at all times. The Saudi Arabian government enforces strict penalties (fines, detention, and travel bans) for people who perform Hajj without this permit.