Many Muslims from worldwide travel to Saudi Arabia, each year to perform Umrah. Due to the enormous number of attendees gathering around that time, there is an increased chance of catching deadly and contagious infections from other areas. UK Muslims intending to go on umrah must be mindful of the Umrah vaccination requirement for UK muslims criteria specified by Saudi officials. The purpose of health legislation is to prevent the spread of illness while on pilgrimage and to safeguard pilgrims. For the 1434 H hajj season, the ministry of health has established requirements that travelers must meet in order to obtain an entry visa for the hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia. The criteria focus on health regulations are:
Meningococcal Meningitis:
Those over 2 years old traveling to the UK for Umrah, or seasonal work in hajj zones need to have a valid Umrah vaccination certificate showing they have received a quadrivalent (ACWY) Meningococcal vaccine no later than 10 days prior to their arrival in hajj and Umrah areas.
It is also advisable to get vaccinated for individual defense against meningococcal disease caused by types A, C, W, and Y. you can receive vaccination with any one of these vaccines.
In the last three years, a new quadrivalent polysaccharide vaccine against ACWY has been brought in, after not being available in the UK for over three years.
Quadrivalent (ACWY) conjugate vaccine given within the last five years.
The certificate will be deemed valid for three years if the Umrah vaccination type is not specified.
Record the vaccine name and type in a vaccine record held by the patient, including their full name. The person should obtain vaccination documentation from their healthcare provider, ensuring it accurately displays vaccine details and includes the provider’s stamp for authentication.
Poliomyelitis (polio)
Travelers originating from regions with polio outbreaks may require an additional polio vaccination. UK pilgrims heading to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia through high-risk polio countries will require a polio certificate, not necessary if traveling directly from the UK to Saudi Arabia since the UK is polio-free.
Travelers coming from countries where cVDPV2 (polio virus type 2) has been found in environment samples should get vaccinated with IPV at least once in the last year and at least four weeks before arriving. It is noted that a polio certificate is not required. If IPV is unavailable, receiving one dose of OPV within the last six months and at least four weeks before arriving is deemed appropriate.
Yellow fever
Travelers over nine months old coming to Saudi Arabia for hajj and Umrah from countries with yellow fever risk must show a valid YF vaccination certificate issued 10 days before arrival.
In the UK, yellow fever is not a fear. UK travelers are typically not required to follow this rule unless they have visited a region affected by yellow fever prior to their Umrah trip.
COVID-19
The ministry of health in Saudi Arabia advises travelers 12 years old and up who plan to participate in our attend hajj or Umrah to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Every traveler arriving in Saudi Arabia is obligated to complete a full covid-19 vaccination. Pilgrims need documentation proving they received two doses or more of these shots. However, access to the COVID-19 vaccine is now restricted to those who fulfill the edibility standard listed in the UK’s national Umrah vaccination program.
Influenza vaccine
While not required, receiving the seasonal influenza vaccination is highly advised for Umrah participants. Due to the large number of people present during umrah, the chances of catching the flu are greatly increased. This vaccine provides protection against the prevalent strains of the annual flu virus. It is highly recommended for pilgrims, especially those with pre-existing health issues, the elders, and young kids, to receive the vaccine to avoid serious illness. Implementing this measure guarantees a pilgrimage that is both healthier and more comfortable. Some caregivers, family members living with the person, and healthcare professionals in the UK can receive the influenza vaccine at no cost. Pilgrims who meet the requirements should receive the annual flu vaccine from their usual healthcare provider.
Travelers are also encouraged to maintain other Umrah vaccinations like Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, and Typhoid. Although not mandatory for Umrah, these items are beneficial for personal safety, especially during international travel.
UK Muslims can have peace of mind when performing Umrah, as they are protected from potential health risks by meeting the health requirements.
