In preparation for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has outlined crucial requirements for vaccinations. It’s imperative for pilgrims to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey. With the deadline for vaccination approaching rapidly, here’s a comprehensive overview of the essential vaccines and health directives for prospective pilgrims in 2024.
Mandatory Vaccinations for Hajj Pilgrims 2024
Quadrivalent Meningococcal Vaccine (Meningitis)
Target Group: All adults and children aged two years and above. Pregnant women can also receive it.
Timing: At least ten days before Hajj.
This vaccine provides immunity for three years and is mandatory for all pilgrims.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
Target Group: Pilgrims arriving from regions where the disease is prevalent, such as areas in sub-Saharan Africa and the Americas.
Timing: At least ten days before Hajj.
This vaccine provides lifelong immunity.
Polio Vaccine
Target Group: All ages of pilgrims coming from polio-endemic regions.
Timing: At least four weeks before Hajj. Pilgrims from polio-endemic areas will receive a single dose upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Recommended Vaccinations for Hajj Pilgrims 2024
COVID-19 Vaccine
Pilgrims are urged to receive one of the following COVID-19 vaccines approved in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:
- Pfizer / BioNTech: Two doses
- Oxford / AstraZeneca: Two doses
- Janssen: Single dose
- Moderna: Two doses
- Sinopharm: Two doses
- Sinovac: Two doses
- Covaxin: Two doses
- Sputnik V: Two doses
- Novavax: Two doses
- Covovax: Two doses
In addition to the COVID-19 vaccine, the Ministry of Health advises pilgrims, both domestic and international, to receive the following vaccines for overall health and safety:
Seasonal Influenza Vaccine
Target Group: All Hajj pilgrims, especially seniors, individuals with chronic illnesses, immunocompromised patients, those with metabolic disorders, obese individuals, and pregnant women beyond the fourth month.
Timing: At least two weeks before Hajj.
Necessary Immunizations for Domestic Pilgrims 2024
Domestic pilgrims intending to perform Hajj within the Kingdom must ensure the following vaccinations, documented in the Tawakkalna application:
- One dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
- One dose of the seasonal influenza vaccine administered during the year 1445.
- One dose of the yellow fever vaccine administered within the past five years.
Precautionary Measures at Saudi Health Entrances
The Saudi Ministry of Health has implemented preventive measures against the following diseases at border points:
COVID-19
Stringent measures are applied for all countries based on specific criteria.
Meningococcal Meningitis
Antibiotics are administered at entry points for travelers from regions where the disease is prevalent.
Polio
A single dose of the oral polio vaccine is given to travelers from countries with wild poliovirus circulation or cVDPV1 outbreak.
Yellow Fever and Zika Virus
Certificates indicating adherence to WHO-recommended sanitation measures are required for all modes of transportation arriving from affected areas.
