The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah revealed on April 21, 2024, new health guidelines for pilgrims desiring to partake in the Hajj of the year 1445 according to the Islamic calendar. These guidelines include vaccination requirements against various illnesses for both local and international participants.
Vaccinations Required for Local Pilgrims
- For pilgrims residing in Saudi Arabia, vaccination requirements include:
- One dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
- One dose of flu vaccine, administered in 2024.
- One dose of meningitis vaccine, valid if administered within the last five years.
- Requirements for International Pilgrims
Pilgrims coming from outside Saudi Arabia must present evidence of vaccination against cerebrospinal meningitis received at least ten days before their arrival and no more than five years previously. They must also be vaccinated against polio, with at least one dose of bivalent or inactivated oral vaccine.
Health Conditions for Pilgrimage
The Saudi Ministry of Health furthermore issued recommendations regarding the health status of pilgrims, stressing the importance of being free from any illness incompatible with the physical demands of Hajj, such as:
- Advanced renal failure requiring dialysis.
- Severe heart failure with symptoms even at rest.
- Chronic lung diseases requiring oxygen.
- Advanced cirrhosis with signs of liver failure.
- Severe neurological diseases or advanced dementia.
- Additional Precautions
Pilgrims suffering from chronic diseases should guarantee they bring enough medication for the duration of their stay. They should also be vaccinated against other common diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles and smallpox.
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