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Important information for pilgrims to the Hajj or Umrah
20 November 2002
Following a number of deaths from a rare form of meningitis and septicaemia - meningococcal disease Group W135 - travellers to Mecca for the Hajj and Umrah, have been urged by the UK government to seek vaccination before setting out on their journey.
Since the year 2000, outbreaks of W135 meningitis and septicaemia, which is uncommon in the UK, have occurred associated with Hajj. Several hundred Hajj pilgrims and their families, including many UK residents, have been affected and some have died. Other available vaccines do not protect against W135.
A valid certificate showing that the quadrivalent vaccine has been received is now a requirement for pilgrims to enter Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims can get the quadrivalent vaccine and the certificate from their doctor or travel clinic and will need to make an appointment at least three weeks before leaving for Saudi Arabia. But anyone travelling to Saudi Arabia with children under the age of three will have to book an appointment more than three months before travelling, because children will require two injections given three months apart.
The Department of Health recommends that other travellers to Saudi Arabia whose visits coincide with the Hajj or Umrah should also obtain the quadrivalent vaccine from their doctor or local travel clinic.
Please note that information on meningitis, septicaemia and travel vaccines is also available on this website in Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali, Gujarati, Arabic and Somali. To access this information choose Symptoms and then other Languages.