Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made the meningitis vaccine mandatory for domestic Hajj–Umrah pilgrims. Both domestic and foreign pilgrims who wish to perform Hajj this year should get the meningitis vaccination. The ministry noted that Hajj packages will not be allotted to those who do not get the vaccination. Meanwhile, domestic pilgrims should get vaccinated at least ten days before the pilgrimage. On its website, the ministry said, “ Visitors arriving for the purpose of Umrah or pilgrimage (Hajj) or seasonal work are required to submit a certificate of vaccination with the quadrivalent (ACYW135) vaccine against meningitis issued no more than 3 years and no less than 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia. The responsible authorities in the visitor’s country of origin should ensure that adults and children over 2 years are given 1 dose of the quadrivalent polysaccharide (ACYW135) vaccine."

As the duration of protection of a single dose of vaccine lasts for five years, those who are already vaccinated need not get it again. The ministry has made the vaccination policy mandatory to ensure the health and safety of the pilgrims. Besides, pilgrims should also get influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to ensure a safe Hajj season. The vaccination appointments can be booked through the health ministry’s Sehhaty app. This year’s Hajj is expected to be from June 4 to 9. Pilgrims are also not allowed to bring any fresh food into the country. Only canned or sealed food or items stored in small quantities in containers that can be inspected easily are allowed. 

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