Hajj and Umrah Vaccinations in Oldham

What are the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages?

Hajj and Umrah refer to the annual pilgrimage taken by those who follow the Islamic faith. It is an aim that every Muslim person if they are able, should go on this pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia once in their life.

The Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages are slightly different:

• Hajj: Hajj should be taken during the 8th – 13th day of the Dhu al-Hijjah, in the 12th month of the Islamic calendar.
• Umrah: Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, unlike the Hajj, which is determined by the Islamic calendar. It is encouraged to take the Umrah, but it is not compulsory in the Islamic faith.

The Hajj 2024 is now completed. The dates for Hajj 2025 are between 4th June to the 9th June 2025.

There are currently two vaccinations required by the Saudi Arabian government to be able to travel to and complete the Hajj and Umrah:

Hajj and Umrah Required Vaccinations

Meningococcal Meningitis ACWY

Meningococcal Meningitis ACWY vaccine must be administered within the previous 3 years and at least 10 days prior to your arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Coronavirus (Covid 19)

Since the coronavirus pandemic in 2019, the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia requires you to have had an approved full course of Coronavirus vaccinations to enter the country.

Hajj and Umrah Recommended Vaccinations

There are also some vaccinations, that are required to live in the UK, that are recommended you are up-to-date on before travel:

• Diptheria, Tetanus and Polio
• Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
• Seasonal Flu Jab (if eligible)

You will be given a vaccination certificate which shows the date and type of vaccine you received to present on your arrival in Saudi Arabia.

If you are unsure what vaccinations you may need, don’t hesitate to contact one of our pharmacists for advice.

Embarking on the spiritual journey of Hajj or Umrah? Your health should be your top priority. At Click2Pharmacy, we offer comprehensive Hajj and Umrah vaccinations to ensure you’re protected against various diseases during your pilgrimage.

Hajj and Umrah Vaccine Requirements

If you’re planning to perform Hajj or Umrah, it’s not just a recommendation but a requirement to get vaccinated. The Saudi Arabian government mandates that all pilgrims must be vaccinated against meningitis at least ten days before travelling. This applies to both adults and children. Failure to comply can result in visa denial, so it’s crucial to plan your vaccination well in advance.

You should also check with the pharmacist before having the vaccine if you:

• Have a bleeding problem, such as haemophilia, or bruise easily
• Have a high temperature
• Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding

What are the side effects of taking the Hajj and Umrah vaccines?

Like any medical intervention, vaccinations come with their own set of side effects. However, these are generally mild and short-lived. Normally 50% of people who get the vaccine have mild side effects following vaccination, such as:

• Redness where vaccine is given
• Soreness where vaccine is given
• Headache
• Muscle ache
• Fatigue

If they occur, these reactions usually get better on their own within 1 to 2 days.

Serious side effects are rare but should be immediately reported to your GP or pharmacist. Rest assured, our team at Click2Pharmacy is here to guide you through any concerns you may have.