Vaccinated Hajj pilgrims have more devotion time

For Muslims, the Hajj Pilgrimage is the holiest of journeys and must be completed by every Muslim - money and health permitting - once in their lifetime to fulfil the fifth pillar of Islam.

South African Muslims have sent pilgrims to Mecca every year since 1838 and this year is no exception. Hajj occurs this year from 7 - 12 December and Islamic Medical Association's Dr Salim Parker says it is important that Muslims performing Hajj be both physically and medically prepared to perform this important pilgrimage. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and for a pilgrim to get the most of this experience, it is essential that they take into consideration a number of health issues.”

Dr Parker says first and foremost it is important that pilgrims abide by the Ministry of Saudia Arabia's health regulations. All Hajj pilgrims are required to be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis. This disease, characterised by a sudden onset of fever, intense headache, nausea and stiff neck can kill within a couple of hours. Meningococcal infections can occur anywhere, anytime, and outbreaks of the disease where recorded in Saudi Arabia in 1987, 2000 and 2001. “In 2000 Hajj spread meningitis to 14 countries on returning home,” explains Dr Parker. “Of particular concern to pilgrims is that crowded conditions can expedite the spread of the disease, which is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person.”

Dr Parker says no pilgrim's visa will be approved if their applications are not accompanied by the yellow fever vaccination certificate. Yellow Fever is an acute, mosquito-borne viral disease which can lead to severe illness and death. Fortunately, the yellow fever vaccine is safe and highly effective. Even though South Africa does not see yellow fever as a requirement, Saudi Arabia requires all travellers coming from the African continent to get vaccinated against yellow fever.

All travellers to Saudi Arabia are advised to make sure their polio vaccination is up to date. Dr Parker says travellers whose last vaccination was more than ten years ago should get a booster with the trivalent tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccine. Polio is a highly infectious disease, caused by a virus which can spread rapidly, particularly in crowded situations. While most people infected with the poliovirus do not develop polio paralysis or other symptoms of polio infection, they can still spread the virus, and one in 200 people do develop symptoms and can become paralysed. There is no cure for polio, but it is prevented through immunisation.

With an estimated three million Muslims from around the world converging on Mecca during Saudi's winter season, Dr Parker says the flu vaccine will reduce a pilgrim's chances of catching the flu during Hajj. “Respiratory disease is the leading cause of hospital admissions during Hajj, with pneumonia accounting for 39% of these admissions. Crowded conditions, dust, fumes and pollution - all of which are prevalent during Hajj - are aggravating factors for the flu virus. I would therefore strongly advise having the flu vaccination, particularly for elderly pilgrims and those with chest problems. Pilgrims over the age of 65 should have the pneumococcus vaccine,” he says.

Dr Parker also strongly recommends that all pilgrims consider vaccinating against hepatitis A, a virus which attacks the liver. Hands soiled after using the toilet or changing a nappy, or swallowing water or food that has been contaminated by human faeces are the main forms of transmission for the hepatitis A virus. The vaccination against hepatitis A is available and safe to use. A vaccination that can also be considered is hepatitis B, this is a highly infectious disease that is blood borne. One way that male pilgrims can contract this disease is through the rites, where they get their head shaved. Even though infection of this disease has not happened in year it is an important vaccination to consider.


While Saudi clinics, hospitals and medical care is free, offering a very high standard of care, pilgrims need to remember to take their chronic medication with them, as well as a copy of the script for the border post and a letter from their doctor stating the patient's medical condition and medication.

“This may sound daunting to Muslims planning to perform Hajj this year, but all vaccinations are simple, effective and will ensure a healthier, more fulfilling experience,” concludes Dr Parker. “Even little things like improving one's fitness prior to Hajj, eating adequate fibre to avoid constipation, keeping appropriate anti diarrhoeals at hand to stop diarrhoea, being very choosy about food eaten, and drinking plenty of water - but definitely not the tap water - will also give pilgrims more time to devote to ibãdah; pilgrims will be able to worship without being distracted by avoidable health concerns.”

For more advise please call the sanofi Pasteur Vaccine Helpline on 086 160 160 or consult your medical practitioner and ask about the available vaccines.