Why worry about meningitis while planning a Hajj trip?

All travellers, domestic or international, adults and children aged over 2 years arriving for Umrah, Hajj or for seasonal work in Hajj zones, are required to submit a valid vaccination certificate with a quadrivalent (ACYW) meningococcal vaccine administered not less than 10 days prior to the planned arrival to Hajj areas.

Vaccination with one of the following vaccines is acceptable: Quadrivalent (ACYW) polysaccharide vaccine within the last 3 years. Quadrivalent (ACYW) conjugate vaccine within the last 5 years.

Current scientific evidence suggests that conjugate vaccines are safe and effective for those above 55 years of age.

Health authorities at the pilgrims' country of origin should ensure vaccination within the required validity period and make sure that the type of vaccine is clearly showed in the vaccination certificate.

If the vaccine type is not indicated in the certificate, the certificate will be valid for 3 years.

Vaccination with Quadrivalent (ACYW) conjugate vaccine is also required for:

  • Residents of the two holy cities (Makkah and Medina).
  • Any person who might get in contact with pilgrims including personnel in healthcare settings and other authorities.

Talk to your doctor today, about protection against meningococcal meningitis.

 

 

References:

  1. Badur, S., Khalaf, M., Ozturk, S. et al. Meningococcal Disease and Immunization activities in Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimage: a review. Infect Dis Ther(2022).
  2. https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/hajj-and-umrah-pilgrims/ .
  3. Meningococcal Disease [Internet] [Updated Jun 07, 201 7] Available athttps://www.cdc.gov/meningococcall/ about/symptoms.html . Accessed on May 28, 2020
  4. WHO. Meningococcal megnigitis. Available athttps://www.who.int/news-rooms/fact-sheets/detail/meninngococcal-meningitis . Accessed February 2021
  5. ECDC. Factsheet about meningococcal disease. Available athttps://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/meningococcal-disease/factsheet . Accessed February 2021
  6. Meningitis research foundation. What are meningitis and septicaemia. Available athttps://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/meningococcal-disease/factsheet . Accessed February 2021
  7. Meningitis Ministry of Health portal [Internet] Available athttp://www.saude.gov.brisaude-de-a-zimeningitesAccessed on 2019 Mar 12
  8. Meningitis Ministry of Health portal[Internet]. Available at https://www.saude.gov.br/saude-de-a-z/meningitis. Accessed on 2019 Mar. 12.
  9. https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/Haji/HealthGuidelines/HealthGuidelinesDuringHaju/Pages/HealthRequirements.aspx Accessed on June 27, 2022.
Disclaimer

The information on this website is issued in public interest by Sanofi Healthcare India Pvt Ltd. with the intention to create general awareness around immunization. This information does not constitute any medical advice, opinion and/or recommendation / or promotion of Sanofi products. Please consult your doctor for details regarding immunization.

MAT-IN-2202475.02.09/2022