Reviewed by a GPhC-registered Pharmacist at Newdays Pharmacy | Published: 2026 | Book an appointment
| Quick Answer: Meningococcal ACWY vaccination is mandatory for all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and is required by Saudi Arabian authorities for visa processing. Seasonal influenza vaccination is also mandatory for Hajj pilgrims. Hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended. All pilgrims should book a travel health consultation well in advance to ensure full compliance with Saudi entry requirements. |
Hajj and Umrah are among the most significant journeys undertaken by Muslim communities in the UK, bringing hundreds of thousands of British Muslims to Mecca and Medina each year. Saudi Arabia enforces specific and mandatory vaccination requirements for all pilgrims, including meningococcal ACWY vaccination, and the extraordinary density of pilgrims from across the world creates a unique infectious disease environment. Newdays Pharmacy in Berkshire provides comprehensive travel health consultations for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from our branches in Eton, Twyford, Reading, and Lane End.
Mandatory Vaccinations for Hajj and Umrah
Meningococcal ACWY: A Mandatory Visa Requirement
Saudi Arabian authorities require all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to have received meningococcal ACWY vaccination within the past three years. This is a visa entry requirement, not simply a recommendation. The requirement exists because mass Hajj gatherings have historically been associated with outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis, particularly the W135 serogroup. Proof of vaccination must be provided during visa processing. The meningococcal ACWY vaccine (Nimenrix or MenQuadfi) is a single injection available at Newdays Pharmacy.
Poliovirus Documentation
Saudi Arabia requires evidence of polio vaccination from travellers arriving from countries with active poliovirus transmission. UK travellers are generally not affected by this requirement provided their routine tetanus, diphtheria and polio (Td/IPV) vaccination is current. Confirm your vaccination history before travel.
Recommended Vaccinations for Hajj and Umrah
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all pilgrims. Communal eating at mass gatherings and variable sanitation facilities during Hajj and Umrah create elevated risk of contaminated food and water infections.
Seasonal Influenza (Strongly recommended)
Influenza vaccination is strongly recommended for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. The mass gathering environment creates conditions for rapid influenza transmission. If your pilgrimage falls within the NHS annual flu season (from September onwards), your NHS flu vaccination may satisfy this requirement. Confirm with our pharmacist.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccination is recommended for pilgrims who will be eating outside their hotel, which is standard during Hajj and Umrah given communal meal arrangements and street food near the holy sites in Mecca and Medina.
Health Preparation Beyond Vaccination
Physical fitness preparation is important for Hajj given the significant physical demands of the pilgrimage, particularly Tawaf and Sai and the journey to Arafat and Muzdalifah. Sun protection and hydration management are critical as Mecca can reach extreme temperatures. Pilgrims with long term conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory conditions require careful medication review and pre travel planning. Our pharmacists at Newdays can review your regular medications and advise on managing them safely during the pilgrimage.
| Book Now: Book a Travel Health Consultation at Newdays Pharmacy We serve patients from Windsor, Eton, Twyford, Reading, and across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. |
| Clinical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment or medication. Information is accurate as of the date of publication and reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist. Newdays Pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Branch registration numbers: Eton/Windsor 1029048 | Twyford 1028983 | Coley Park Reading 1029008. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Saudi Arabian authorities require meningococcal ACWY vaccination for both Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, valid within the past three years. This is a visa entry requirement. Newdays Pharmacy can administer the meningococcal ACWY vaccine and provide documentation for your visa application.
Book your travel health consultation at least six to eight weeks before departure. If hepatitis A vaccination is required, the full two dose course for long term protection is given six to twelve months apart, so the sooner you book the first dose the better. The meningococcal ACWY vaccine is a single dose and must be administered at least 10 days before travel.
Yes. Newdays Pharmacy can administer meningococcal ACWY, seasonal influenza, hepatitis A, and typhoid vaccinations and provide documentation for Saudi visa requirements. Book your consultation .