Travel vaccinations for Hajj and Umrah

Hajj and Umrah are important journeys that involve long travel, large crowds, and close contact with people from around the world. Good health planning helps protect you and the people you return home to in Fulham and across West London.

Saudi Arabia sets entry rules for pilgrims, including proof of certain vaccinations. On top of this, busy indoor spaces and shared accommodation can increase the spread of respiratory infections. Hot weather, tiredness, and dehydration can also make you more vulnerable to illness.

This guide covers the key vaccines for Hajj and Umrah, what is required for entry, what is strongly advised, and when to book. It also explains what to bring to your appointment at Fulham Palace Pharmacy and how a travel consultation can confirm what applies to your trip.

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What vaccines do I need for Hajj or Umrah?

Required for entry for most pilgrims

MenACWY meningococcal vaccine with a vaccination certificate

Strongly recommended for many travellers

• Seasonal flu vaccine
• COVID 19 booster where eligible
• Polio vaccine where applicable
• Hepatitis A vaccine
• Typhoid vaccine

Risk based or catch up vaccines

• MMR vaccine if not fully protected
• Tetanus diphtheria polio booster if not up to date
• Pneumococcal vaccine for some travellers
• Rabies vaccine in rare cases

A travel consultation checks what applies to your age, health, itinerary, and vaccination history.

Why vaccines matter for Hajj and Umrah

Millions of people gather in a small area during peak periods. Close contact is common during prayers, transport, and accommodation.

Respiratory infections spread easily in crowded settings. Coughs, colds, flu, and COVID 19 are common travel illnesses.

Heat and long days can increase the risk of dehydration. Tiredness can affect immunity.

Some people are at higher risk of complications. This includes older adults and people with asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or weakened immunity. Pregnancy needs extra planning too.

Saudi Arabia entry requirements

Rules can change, and they can vary by country of residence and travel history. A travel consultation is the safest way to confirm what you need before you fly.

MenACWY meningococcal vaccine and certificate

For most pilgrims, MenACWY vaccination is the key requirement for Hajj and Umrah visa and entry.

You will need proof of vaccination. This is usually a certificate showing the vaccine details and the date it was given.

Timing matters. Saudi authorities set a time window for when the vaccine must be given before arrival and how long it stays valid for entry purposes. Many travellers aim to have MenACWY done well before travel to avoid last minute problems.

Peak season appointments fill quickly in West London. Booking early helps.

Fulham Palace Pharmacy offers Meningitis ACWY vaccination and can provide certification after vaccination.

Polio and other conditional requirements

Some travellers may be asked for polio vaccination proof depending on factors such as:

Country of departure or residency

Recent travel to certain countries

Public health updates and seasonal guidance

Your travel consultation can check whether polio vaccination is needed for your situation and whether you need extra documentation.

Recommended vaccines for pilgrims and why they matter

Seasonal flu

Flu spreads easily in crowds. Vaccination before travel reduces the risk of illness during the pilgrimage and on return.

COVID 19

Crowded indoor spaces can increase spread. A booster may be advised depending on eligibility and timing since your last dose.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A can be caught through contaminated food and water. It can also spread through close contact. Vaccination is often advised for travellers.

Typhoid

Typhoid risk is linked to food and water hygiene. Vaccination is a useful layer of protection, especially for longer trips or group travel.

Tetanus diphtheria polio booster

These vaccines protect against serious infections and are part of routine immunisation. A booster may be advised if you have not had one in the last several years, or if your history is unclear.

MMR

Measles can spread quickly in crowded settings. If you are not fully protected, catching up with MMR is important before travel.

Pneumococcal vaccine for pneumonia risk

Pneumococcal disease can cause pneumonia and other serious infections. It can be advised for older adults and people with certain long term conditions. NHS eligibility varies.

Vaccines available at Fulham Palace Pharmacy

Availability can depend on stock and clinical suitability. Your pharmacist will advise based on your needs.

Travel and specialist vaccines offered include:

• Meningitis ACWY £72
• Diphtheria Tetanus Polio £36
• Typhoid £30
• Hepatitis A £48
• Hepatitis B £42
• Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B £85
• MMR £42
• Cholera £48
• Rabies £84
• Yellow Fever £85
• Japanese Encephalitis £119
• Tick Borne Encephalitis £78
• HPV £192
• Shingles £220
• Meningitis B £118

NHS vaccines may also be available, including NHS flu, NHS COVID 19 vaccine, RSV vaccine, and pneumonia vaccine, depending on eligibility and supply.

When to book your travel clinic

The best time is 6 to 8 weeks before departure. This allows time for assessment, vaccine spacing, and any multi dose courses.

It is still worth booking 1 to 3 weeks before travel. Some protection is better than none, and you can still meet entry requirements if timing allows.

Some vaccines need more than one dose for best protection. Your consultation will plan the schedule around your departure date.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring the details that help the clinician assess your risk.

Travel itinerary including departure date, cities, and stopovers

Vaccine history or red book if available

Current medicines and medical conditions

Pregnancy status or immune conditions should be mentioned upfront

If you are unsure about your vaccination history, the consultation can still proceed.

Practical health tips for Hajj and Umrah

Preventing respiratory infections

• Use hand hygiene often
• Consider wearing a mask in very crowded areas
• Avoid sharing bottles, cups, or utensils
• Carry tissues and dispose of them safely

Heat and hydration

Drink regularly, not just when thirsty

Use oral rehydration salts if you develop diarrhoea or heat related symptoms

Know signs of heat exhaustion such as headache, dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, and weakness

Seek shade, rest, and fluids early if symptoms start

Managing existing conditions

Carry enough medication for the full trip plus extra

Keep a copy of prescriptions and a medicines list

Store heat sensitive medicines properly

Plan walking distances and rest breaks if you have heart or lung conditions

FAQs

Do I need MenACWY for Umrah as well as Hajj?

Entry rules often apply to both. Check your visa requirements and confirm in a travel consultation.

How long before travel should I get MenACWY?

Aim well ahead of departure. Many travellers book several weeks before travel to allow for certificate timing and any delays.

Can I have multiple vaccines in one appointment?

Often yes. It depends on your health, vaccine types, and your schedule. Your pharmacist will advise.

What if I do not know my vaccination history?

You can still be assessed. You may be advised to have catch up vaccines such as MMR or a tetanus diphtheria polio booster.

Are vaccines safe if I am pregnant or have diabetes or asthma?

Many vaccines are safe and recommended in these groups, while some are not advised in pregnancy. A consultation is essential so advice matches your situation.

Can you issue the meningitis vaccination certificate?

Yes, after vaccination, certification can be provided for MenACWY.

Do children need the same vaccines?

Children may need different doses and schedules. They may also need routine catch up vaccines. A consultation will confirm what is needed.

What if I am travelling last minute?

Book as soon as possible. Some vaccines can still be given close to departure, and entry requirements may still be met if timing allows.

Book your Hajj and Umrah travel vaccination appointment in Fulham

Fulham Palace Pharmacy provides pharmacist led travel consultations and travel vaccinations for pilgrims in Fulham and West London.

You can book for:

• Travel consultation based on your itinerary and health
• MenACWY vaccination with certification
• Key travel vaccines such as Hepatitis A, typhoid, MMR, and tetanus diphtheria polio booster
• Advice on timing and vaccine combinations

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