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What Vaccinations Do You Need for Hajj & Umrah?
Are you planning to undertake Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia? It is essential to check the FCDO (Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office) for the most recent guidelines and information. It is also crucial to comprehend the immunisation requirements for Hajj and Umrah. Continue reading to find out how to get Hajj and Umrah vaccines in Birmingham.
What are Hajj and Umrah?
Islamic pilgrimages to Mecca, Hajj and Umrah, are performed in Saudi Arabia. Umrah can be performed at any time, unlike Hajj, which must be performed during particular seasons of the year. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than a million people from all over the world attended the pilgrimage every year.
In the Islamic calendar, the pilgrimage is held between the eighth and thirteenth days of the last month.
What Hajj and Umrah vaccines in Birmingham do you need?
It is imperative that you visit your pharmacist or GP at least six to eight weeks before your departure date. COVID-19 is one of the vaccinations and requirements for Hajj and Umrah, along with the ones listed below.
The Meningococcal Disease (Meningitis ACWY)
All people who travel for Hajj, Umrah, or seasonal work must show proof (in the form of a vaccination certificate) that they have been vaccinated against meningitis. Details of the vaccination name and type should be entered in a patient-held vaccine record containing the full name of the individual. It is recommended that the proof of vaccination record be made by the person’s doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. It should show exactly what vaccine was given and have an official stamp from the healthcare provider.
You can record the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine in the ‘Other Vaccinations’ section of the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) booklet if you possess one. It is important to note that the “certificate” of the conjugate meningococcal vaccine has an expiration date of five years. Nonetheless, documentation must clearly indicate that a conjugate meningococcal vaccine was provided. The certificate is valid for three years if the type of vaccine is not specified.
Pilgrims and seasonal employees are required to carry immunisation certificates for examination by the Saudi Authority.
Yellow Fever Hajj and Umrah vaccines in Birmingham
Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for all travellers from high-risk yellow fever areas under the International Health Regulations of 2005. Vaccinations must be administered 10 days before departure. Suppose an individual doesn’t have a certificate; they will be placed under tight surveillance for six days after receiving the immunisation, or from the last possible date of exposure.
Polio vaccine
One dosage of OPV is required for travellers arriving from re-established transmission nations or polio-endemic areas (no matter the vaccination status or age). When applying for a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, travellers from polio-endemic and re-established transmission nations need to provide proof of immunisation prior to departure. Upon entering Saudi Arabia, visitors also receive one dosage of the Oral Polio vaccine at the border checkpoints.
The Seasonal Flu Vaccine
During internal pilgrimages in Saudi Arabia, vaccination against seasonal influenza is recommended for everyone. This is mainly beneficial for those in danger of complications and for all medical personnel stationed in the Hajj region.
Hepatitis B vaccine
The Hepatitis B virus is prevalent in bodily fluids and can be transmitted percutaneously or through sexual contact. Through the use of contaminated medical, dental, or other devices, percutaneous transmission is possible; all pilgrims should consider taking the hepatitis B vaccine before the trip.
One of the Hajj rituals for males is shaving their heads. Every pilgrim’s licensed barber is provided with a new blade by KSA authorities. Barbers without licenses, on the other hand, may not follow this. This can cause the transmission of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV; therefore, pilgrims should avoid shaving with a previously used razor blade. During these ceremonies, pilgrims may wish to bring a disposable razor for personal use.
Are Covid vaccinations part of Hajj and Umrah vaccines in Birmingham?
Updated on May 31st, 2022
Visitors travelling to the kingdom no longer have to take a PCR or antigen test before leaving or when they arrive.
Four Covid-19 vaccines including AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson have been approved by the Saudi government. Anyone immunised with Sinovac or Sinopharm jabs may enter the kingdom after receiving a booster shot of one of the four recognised vaccinations.
Except for individuals inoculated by Johnson & Johnson, which is a single-dose vaccine, travellers must have received both doses of the vaccine. To be considered fully vaccinated, the final dose must have been administered between 14 days and eight months prior to departure. If more than eight months have passed since the last vaccination, travellers will require a booster dose.
Book your appointment with King’s Pharmacy today to get your vaccinations.
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This blog post was written on behalf of King’s Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.