Health and Vaccination Requirements for Hajj

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Health and Vaccination Requirements for Hajj

Protecting your health is essential for a safe and spiritually fulfilling Hajj journey. This comprehensive guide covers all mandatory vaccinations, recommended health precautions, and emergency procedures you need to know before embarking on your pilgrimage.

Emergency Contact Information

Keep these numbers readily accessible throughout your journey:

  • Pilgrims Call Center: 937
  • Red Crescent Emergency: 977
  • Police: 999 or 911
  • Unified Support Number: +966 920 002 814
  • Email Support: care@haj.gov.sa
  • Twitter Support: @MOHU_Care

Required Vaccinations

All pilgrims, including adults and children one year and older, must comply with these mandatory vaccination requirements:

1. Meningitis (Neisseria Meningitidis) – MANDATORY

You must possess a valid vaccination certificate for the quadruple meningitis vaccine (ACYW). The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arriving in the Hajj areas.

Accepted vaccines:

  • Quadruple (ACYW) polysaccharide vaccine – valid for 3 years
  • Quadruple conjugate (ACYW) vaccine – valid for 5 years

2. Polio – REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN REGIONS

If traveling from areas where poliovirus is still circulating, you must show proof of vaccination with either:

  • Bivalent oral polio vaccine (Bopv)
  • Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)

The vaccine must be administered between 4 weeks and 12 months before entering Saudi Arabia.

3. Yellow Fever – MANDATORY FOR ENDEMIC REGIONS

Pilgrims over nine months old from yellow fever endemic regions must present a valid vaccination certificate. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination and remains valid for life.

Strongly Recommended Vaccinations

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)

All pilgrims aged 12 and older are strongly advised to complete all required doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine. Accepted vaccines include:

Two-dose vaccines:

  • Pfizer-BioNTech
  • Moderna
  • Oxford/AstraZeneca
  • Covovax
  • Nuvaxovid
  • Sinopharm
  • Sinovac
  • Covaxin
  • Sputnik V

Single-dose vaccine:

  • Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)

Seasonal Influenza

The seasonal flu vaccine is highly recommended for all travelers, especially:

  • Pregnant women
  • Children under 5 years
  • Elderly pilgrims
  • Those with chronic illnesses
  • Individuals with weakened immune systems

The vaccine should be administered at least 10 days before arrival. Pilgrims from northern hemisphere countries should receive the southern hemisphere vaccine formulation.

Additional Recommended Vaccines

Consider updating these vaccinations before your journey:

  • Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP)
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
  • Varicella (Chickenpox)

Special Considerations for Elderly Pilgrims and Those with Chronic Conditions

Pre-Travel Consultation

Before departing, pilgrims with serious chronic conditions should consult their healthcare provider, especially those with:

  • Advanced cancers
  • Heart and respiratory diseases
  • Advanced liver or kidney diseases
  • Severe mobility limitations

Medical Documentation

Obtain comprehensive medical documentation including:

  • Detailed information about your medical conditions
  • List of prescribed medications
  • Potential complications to watch for
  • Emergency care instructions

Medication Management

Before departure:

  • Carry sufficient medication supply for the entire trip plus extra days
  • Keep medications in original packaging with clear labels
  • Know the generic names of your medications
  • Obtain copies of all prescriptions
  • Discuss time zone adjustments with your doctor

Medical Equipment and Mobility Aids

Essential equipment:

  • Oxygen devices and extra supplies
  • Breathing aids (CPAP machines, nebulizers)
  • Hearing aids with spare batteries
  • Blood glucose monitors
  • Blood pressure monitors

Wheelchair users should:

  • Bring their own wheelchair if possible
  • Pack a tire repair kit
  • Arrange for assistance from family or friends
  • Know that wheelchairs are available for purchase in Makkah

Physical Activity Guidelines

  • Avoid excessive physical exertion in the heat
  • Use wheelchairs for Tawaf and Sa’i when needed
  • Take frequent rest breaks
  • Stay in shaded areas during peak heat hours
  • Seek immediate medical attention for chest pain, shortness of breath, or concerning symptoms

Essential Personal Hygiene Practices

Daily Hygiene

Hand washing: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water:

  • Before eating
  • After using the restroom
  • After being in crowded areas
  • After coughing or sneezing

Respiratory etiquette:

  • Cover mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing
  • Use your elbow if tissues aren’t available
  • Dispose of tissues immediately in trash bins

Clothing and living space:

  • Wear clean, breathable fabrics
  • Choose cotton clothing to prevent chafing
  • Keep your living area clean and well-ventilated
  • Maintain regular oral hygiene routines

Common Health Issues and Prevention

Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat Stress Prevention:

  • Reduce exposure to high temperatures
  • Avoid crowded spaces when possible
  • Drink plenty of water and electrolyte beverages
  • Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
  • Seek shade and well-ventilated areas
  • Take regular rest breaks

Heat Stroke Warning Signs:

  • High body temperature (above 103°F/39.4°C)
  • Confusion or altered mental state
  • Rapid pulse
  • Hot, dry skin
  • Severe headache

Emergency treatment:

  • Move to a cool area immediately
  • Remove excess clothing
  • Cool the body with water, especially head and neck
  • Offer fluids if conscious
  • Call 937 or 977 for emergency assistance

Dehydration

Warning signs:

  • Increased thirst
  • Dry mouth and skin
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Decreased urination
  • Muscle cramps

Prevention:

  • Drink water regularly throughout the day
  • Consume hydrating foods (fruits and vegetables)
  • Limit caffeine intake
  • Monitor urine color (should be light yellow)

Respiratory Infections

Prevention strategies:

  • Avoid close contact with visibly ill individuals
  • Don’t share personal items
  • Maintain proper hand hygiene
  • Consider wearing a face mask in crowded areas
  • Ensure adequate ventilation in sleeping areas

Skin Irritation and Chafing

Common in hot, humid conditions, especially for those who are overweight or have diabetes.

Prevention:

  • Apply anti-chafing cream or petroleum jelly before walking
  • Use baby powder after sweating
  • Wear breathable cotton clothing
  • Keep skin clean and dry

Treatment:

  • Clean affected area with soap and water
  • Apply medicated cream as needed
  • Change into dry, clean clothing
  • Seek medical attention if infection develops

Muscle Strain and Fatigue

Relief measures:

  • Apply gentle pressure to sore muscles
  • Use cold compresses for inflammation
  • Consider using pain relievers as directed
  • Use mobility aids (wheelchair, cane) when needed
  • Rest adequately between activities

Falls and Ankle Sprains

Prevention:

  • Wear supportive, well-fitting footwear
  • Keep toenails trimmed
  • Use assistive devices (cane, wheelchair) if needed
  • Exercise caution in crowded areas
  • Avoid walking on wet or slippery surfaces

If you fall:

  • Check for injuries before standing
  • Seek nearby support or assistance
  • Take time to ensure stability before walking
  • Rest and assess any pain or discomfort

Ankle sprain treatment (RICE method):

  • Rest the ankle
  • Ice the area (15-20 minutes)
  • Compress with elastic bandage
  • Elevate above heart level
  • Avoid putting weight on injured ankle
  • Seek medical attention if pain persists

Food Safety and Poisoning Prevention

Safe food practices:

  • Wash hands before eating and food preparation
  • Choose restaurants with good hygiene practices
  • Ensure meat is thoroughly cooked
  • Avoid food left at room temperature
  • Refrigerate leftovers promptly
  • Use separate utensils for raw and cooked foods

If food poisoning occurs:

  • Stop eating solid foods temporarily
  • Stay hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks
  • Rest in a cool environment
  • Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe

Insect-Borne Diseases

Protect yourself from mosquito bites to prevent dengue fever and Zika virus:

  • Wear light-colored, protective clothing covering arms and legs
  • Apply insect repellent to exposed skin
  • Use mosquito nets when sleeping if available
  • Avoid areas with standing water

First Aid Essentials

Recommended First Aid Kit Items

  • Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
  • Sterile gauze pads
  • Medical tape
  • Antiseptic wipes and cream
  • Blister treatment
  • Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
  • Anti-diarrheal medication
  • Antacids
  • Antihistamines
  • Thermometer
  • Scissors and tweezers
  • Elastic bandage
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Personal medications

Common First Aid Situations

Nosebleeds:

  1. Sit upright and lean slightly forward
  2. Pinch both nostrils for 5-10 minutes
  3. Breathe through your mouth
  4. Don’t tilt head backward
  5. Seek medical attention if bleeding continues after 10 minutes

Low Blood Sugar (for diabetics):

  1. Consume fast-acting sugar (juice, candy, sugary drink)
  2. Wait 15 minutes
  3. If symptoms persist, consume more sugar
  4. Follow with balanced meal once stabilized
  5. Seek emergency help if person becomes unconscious

Healthcare Resources

Medical Insurance

Medical insurance is not automatically provided for Hajj pilgrims. Consult with your service provider about:

  • Available local medical services
  • Comprehensive insurance coverage options
  • Emergency evacuation coverage
  • Prescription medication coverage

Sehhaty Platform

Download the official Saudi Ministry of Health app for:

  • Access to health information
  • Health services from Saudi healthcare entities
  • Medical appointment scheduling
  • Electronic health records

Download:

Medical Facilities in Holy Sites

Medical facilities and first aid stations are located throughout Makkah, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. Look for:

  • Red Crescent stations (marked with red crescent symbol)
  • Ministry of Health clinics
  • Hospital emergency departments
  • Mobile medical units

Final Health Preparation Checklist

4-6 Weeks Before Departure

  • [ ] Schedule comprehensive medical check-up
  • [ ] Complete all required vaccinations
  • [ ] Obtain vaccination certificates
  • [ ] Get prescription refills for entire trip plus extra
  • [ ] Obtain detailed medical documentation
  • [ ] Purchase comprehensive travel insurance
  • [ ] Assemble first aid kit

2-3 Weeks Before Departure

  • [ ] Confirm all vaccinations are complete
  • [ ] Pack medications in carry-on luggage
  • [ ] Prepare list of emergency contacts
  • [ ] Download Sehhaty app
  • [ ] Review medication schedules for time zone changes
  • [ ] Purchase any remaining medical supplies

1 Week Before Departure

  • [ ] Verify all health documents are packed
  • [ ] Check medication supplies one final time
  • [ ] Ensure mobility aids are in good condition
  • [ ] Print emergency contact list
  • [ ] Review health guidelines one more time
  • [ ] Prepare questions for your service provider about local medical services

Spiritual and Physical Preparation

Remember that preparing your physical health is part of preparing for this sacred journey. By taking these precautions, you honor the significance of Hajj and ensure you can fully focus on your spiritual experience rather than health concerns.

May your Hajj be accepted, and may you return home safely with renewed faith and blessings.

Important Disclaimer: This guide provides general health information based on official Saudi Arabian requirements. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice specific to your health conditions and circumstances. Health requirements and regulations may change, so verify current requirements with official sources before your departure.

Last Updated: January 2026

For the most current health guidelines, visit the official Nusuk Hajj website.