Hajj & Umrah Vaccine in Dubai

The government of Saudi Arabia, therefore, mandates the following vaccinations before entry into the country:

• Meningococcal quadruple vaccine (ACWY): The vaccination protects four types of meningococcal disease (meningitis A, C, W, and Y), which is a serious bacterial infection that results in inflammation of the meninges, which is the membranes that cover the brain and the spinal cord.

An individual is supposed to submit a certificate for this vaccine before traveling for Hajj or Umrah which must have been issued not less than 10 days prior to travel.

It is also strongly recommended that you receive the following vaccinations:

• Seasonal influenza: This vaccine greatly reduces the risks of contracting an influenza, a viral disease that affects a person’s respiratory system (nose, throat, and lungs).
• Pneumococcal vaccine: Pneumococcal infection often affects the lungs, brain, and blood. The infection can lead to pneumonia if the lungs get affected, meningitis if the brain gets affected, and bacteremia if the blood gets affected. Therefore, pneumococcal vaccine helps protect an individual from the infection and prevent these conditions.

When should I get my vaccines and who is the ideal candidate?

Meningococcal quadruple vaccine

According to the regulations of the Ministry of Health and the government of Saudi Arabia, the vaccination should be given at least two weeks prior to travel for Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages.

Seasonal influenza

The vaccine is mandatory for any individual intending to travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah. It is recommended that everyone above the age of 6 months gets an annual vaccination against the flu.

Pneumococcal vaccine

The vaccine is available to adults and children above age 2. According to the Saudi Arabian government, people aged 65 and over, should be vaccinated prior to travel. The same also applies to younger adults with the following conditions:

• Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, and kidney disease
• A damaged spleen or no spleen
• Sickle cell anemia
• Weakened immune system

Who Should Not Receive the Vaccination?

• Anybody with a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine in the past
• Influenza vaccination is not advised for infants below the age of 6 months

Side Effects of Hajj and Umrah Vaccinations

Side effects depend on the specific vaccine administered.

Meningitis quadruple vaccination

• Fever
• Muscle or joint aches
• Dizziness

Influenza vaccination

• Headache
• Fever
• Muscle ache
• Dizziness
• Nausea

Pneumococcal vaccine

• Vomiting
• Skin rash
• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle ache
• Stiffness of the arm or the leg where the vaccine was injected
• Fatigue
• weakness