Haj and Umra 2017- Saudia Arabia

With the Haj and Umra pilgrimage approaching, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health has published its entry requirements for 2017. For Australian** pilgrims flying direct to Saudi Arabia, the following applies:

• Meningococcal vaccination (ACWY) for all travellers 2 years and over.
• The vaccine must have been administered more than 10 days prior to arrival and no more than 3-5 years ago.
• There are two different types of meningococcal ACWY vaccine. The polysaccharide vaccines are valid for three years, the conjugate for 5 years. Certificates must clearly state which type of vaccine has been given in order for it to be accepted for entry.
• The Saudi Health Department recommends but does not require the annual flu vaccine.

**Travellers arriving from other countries may have additional requirements for entry.

With large numbers of people coming together in the one place, the Hajj can be extremely stressful, with the risk of illness significantly increased. This is particularly so for the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those with complicated medical histories and/or immunocompromised. Our doctors caution that all travellers to the Hajj should seek travel health advice prior to departure; all routine immunisations should be up to date and Hepatitis A vaccination is highly recommended as a minimum.