Why Do We Need Meningitis Vaccination For Hajj & Umrah Travel?

By Author: Ady Grewal
Total Articles: 65
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Annually, millions of Muslims travel to the city of Makkah for the performance of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage through their hajj packages 2020 London and from other cities. People come from all over the world, gather at a single place and perform their Ibadah. A few of these groups of people come from countries where health facilities aren’t that much accessible; poor health and epidemic controls, substandard medications and improper treatment facilities. As a result of which viral diseases can affect other pilgrims performing hajj and umrah. For this reason, Saudia Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made several vaccinations essential for every pilgrim.

A pilgrim has to take these vaccination shots prior to departing for Saudia Arabia as well as possess the proof for it. One of these vaccinations also includes Meningococcal Meningitis.

What is Meningococcal Meningitis?

Meningitis can be defined as a disease that causes inflammation of the ‘Meninges’; the 3 membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms; ...
... The swelling usually triggers symptoms such as headache, fever and a stiff neck.

Causes; Viral infections, Bacterial infections, Parasitic infections and Fungal infections.

Some of the Viral and Bacterial Infections are so contagious that they can spread by coughing, sneezing, or even close contact.

Health risks of Meningococcal Meningitis

Some cases of meningitis automatically improve without treatment over a few weeks. While others can be life-threatening and require emergency antibiotic treatment. The severe complications include;

• Brain damage.
• Gait problems.
• Learning disabilities
• Hearing loss
• Shock
• Memory difficulty
• Seizures
• Kidney failure
• Death

Technical Information for taking Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccinations

• One of the following vaccinations is acceptable; It protects against meningitis and septicaemia caused by four different strains: A, C, W and Y.
1. Quadrivalent (ACWY) polysaccharide vaccine (within the last 3 years).
2. Quadrivalent (ACWY) conjugate vaccine (within the last 5 years).
• The vaccination must be administered no less than 10 days prior to arrival to Saudi Arabia.
• Proof of a valid vaccination certificate is compulsory; aged 2 and above.
• Every pilgrim, regardless of age, needs to get the vaccination.

Why do Pilgrims need it?

Part of Visa Application

Getting a vaccination for Meningococcal Meningitis is a part of a valid visa application for Hajj and Umrah. An applicant necessarily has to attach proof of vaccination with duly filled visa applications otherwise the visa gets rejected.

Safety of Others

It is necessary to administer vaccination for the safety of others. If you are travelling from a country with high-risk of Meningococcal Meningitis diseases, it may affect other pilgrims if not you.

Permissibility of Entry in Saudia Arabia

Entry in Saudia Arabia is not possible without proof of Meningococcal Meningitis vaccination. A pilgrim arriving without vaccination is denied entry.

Minimizing the Spread of Disease

In order to minimize the spread of disease across the globe, Meningococcal Meningitis vaccinations are important for pilgrims. As you will be in contact with pilgrims possessing different nationalities.

That’s why Meningococcal Meningitis vaccination is vital for pilgrims travelling to Saudia Arabia.

I am Ady Grewal and specifically providing information about all kinds of Umrah Packages through Islamic Travel. Truly, my major purpose is to make sure the religious obligation of UK based Muslim brothers and sisters by providing the information of cheapest packages from the UK to Saudi Arabia. If you are interested to perform Umrah, so you are at the absolutely right place. May Allah (SWT) fulfill your holy dream.