Threat of meningitis for Hajj pilgrims
Over 2 million pilgrims from all over the world are expected to arrive in Makkah, Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj pilgrimage within the next few weeks.
The Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK has backed up the Saudi Health Ministry requirements for meningitis vaccine for all all Hajj & Umrah visitors.
The certificate must have been issued not more than three years and not less than ten days before arrival to Saudi Arabia. Adults and children over the age of two years must receive the vaccination against meningococcal meningitis with the quadrivalent vaccine (serogroups A, C, Y and W135). Children between 3 months and 2 years of age must be given two doses of the A vaccine with a 3-month interval between the two doses.
Pilgrims are also warned that they can be checked at the Saudi airports by the Saudi authorities to ensure that they are vaccinated and so they must carry their vaccination certificate with them at all times during their visit. Suspect cases shall be isolated and preventive measures will be taken in respect of their direct contacts.
