We are reminding travellers to the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia (KSA) for Umrah and the upcoming Hajj pilgrimages to ensure that they are vaccinated against meningococcal disease with the MenACWY vaccine, due to ongoing outbreaks of serogroup W (MenW) disease associated with travel to KSA.
The MenACWY vaccine helps protect against meningococcal disease, which can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and septicaemia (blood poisoning) which are severe conditions that can result in death or life-changing disabilities. Unvaccinated pilgrims will have a higher risk of infection.
Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and seasonal workers at the pilgrimages are at increased risk due to the crowded conditions and possible close contact with people from countries with higher rates of meningococcal disease.
Those undertaking Hajj or Umrah are required to present a valid certificate of MenACWY vaccination issued between 10 days and 3 to 5 years before arrival in KSA, depending on the type of MenACWY vaccination previously received (see NaTHNaC website for further information).
In England, the MenACWY vaccine is routinely given to teenagers in school at around 14 years of age and remains available free up to 25 years of age from a GP Practice. However if it was missed, the vaccine is not available for free from the NHS or at a community pharmacy after your 25th birthday. It is not available at all to anyone under 25 years of age at a community pharmacy.
How to get the vaccine
For those needing the vaccine for travel to the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia (KSA) for Umrah and the upcoming Hajj pilgrimages please check your vaccination record via the NHS app. If a vaccination is required please make arrangements for a private MenACWY vaccination. You will have to pay for this vaccination.
The vaccine is available from pharmacies offering travel healthcare services or private travel vaccination clinics. These will issue you with the necessary certificate to take with you on your pilgrimage. For a face-to-face discussion and advice, visit your local community pharmacy. You can find a pharmacy here https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy.