Key Details of the Meningitis Vaccination Service

Mandatory Requirement:

• All Hajj and Umrah pilgrims aged 1 year and above must receive the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY)

• A valid vaccination certificate is required for visa approval.

Types of Vaccines:

• Conjugate Vaccine: Valid for 5 years.

• Polysaccharide Vaccine: Valid for 3 years (less commonly used now).

Timing:

• The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before travel to Saudi Arabia.

• Purpose: Protects against meningitis caused by four strains of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, Y).

• Reduces the risk of outbreaks during mass gatherings like Hajj and Umrah.

What the Service Includes :

• Vaccination: Administration of the MenACWY vaccine.

• Certificate Issuance : A valid vaccination certificate for visa applications.

• Advice: Information on vaccine safety, side effects, and other health precautions for travel.

• Additional Measures for Certain Countries: Pilgrims arriving from countries in the African meningitis belt (e.g., Nigeria, Chad, Sudan) will also be given ciprofloxacin tablets at the port of entry to reduce the risk of meningitis transmission.

• Purpose: The vaccination is crucial to prevent the spread of meningococcal meningitis, which has been linked to outbreaks during large gatherings like Hajj and Umrah.

• Certificate Requirement: A valid vaccination certificate is required to obtain a visa for Hajj or Umrah.

Make sure to consult your healthcare provider or vaccination center to ensure you receive the correct vaccine and documentation.