What are the mandatory vaccinations for Hajj 1446 AH?
To perform Hajj, a pilgrim must be immunized against the following diseases:
- Neisseria meningitis.
- Coronavirus (COVID-19).
- Seasonal influenza.
2. When should I take Hajj vaccinations?
Neisseria meningitis vaccine:
Those planning to perform Hajj must provide a valid immunization certificate proving that they have received the quadrivalent meningitis vaccine (ACYW) no less than (10) days and no more than (5) years prior to arriving at the Hajj and Umrah sites.
Immunization with one of the following vaccines is acceptable:
- Quadrivalent Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine (ACYWX), provided that the period since vaccination is no less than (10) days and no more than (3) years.
- Quadrivalent Conjugate Vaccine (ACYW-135), provided that the period since vaccination is no less than (10) days and no more than (5) years.
COVID-19 Vaccine:
Pilgrims must provide a valid immunization certificate proving they have received a dose of the developed COVID-19 vaccine, provided that the vaccine was administered no less than (10) days ago.
Seasonal Influenza Vaccine:
Pilgrims must provide a valid immunization certificate proving that the vaccine was administered no less than (10) days and no more than one year prior to arriving at the Hajj and Umrah sites.
3. What is the COVID-19 vaccine?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have approved the updated vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.
The vaccine works by carrying an adenovirus vector that has been laboratory-optimized to match the spike protein in the viral DNA, which can generate mRNA allowing the immune system to recognize it and produce antibodies against the virus, thus significantly reducing the chance of contracting the disease.
4 If I have taken a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, is it necessary to take it again?
It is mandatory to receive the vaccine regardless of the number of previous doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
5. Is it necessary to repeat the dose of meningitis vaccine, if I have already taken it before?
A valid immunization certificate must be presented proving that the pilgrim has taken the quadrivalent meningitis vaccine (ACYW) at least (10) days before arriving in the Hajj and Umrah areas. The vaccine's validity period depends on the type of vaccine, as follows:
- The quadrivalent (ACYWX) polysaccharide conjugate vaccine, the period since receiving the vaccine should not exceed (3) years.
- The quadrivalent (ACYW-135) conjugated vaccine, the period since receiving the vaccine should not exceed (5) years.
6. If I took the influenza vaccine last year, should I repeat the dose this year?
Pilgrims must receive the seasonal influenza vaccine, provided that the period since receiving the vaccine should not be less than (10) days and not more than one year.
7. Are there any side effects to the Hajj vaccines?
Hajj vaccines may cause some side effects, such as fever and flu-like symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended to take painkillers and antipyretics, when necessary, drink enough fluids, and avoid physical exertion.
8. Is there a time interval between taking the influenza, meningitis, and COVID-19 vaccines?
No, and no time interval is required between Hajj vaccines. They can all be taken at the same time or distributed without the need for a time interval.
9. Is there any contraindication to taking Hajj vaccines for pregnant women?
There is no contraindication to using all these vaccines for pregnant women.
10. Are there medical conditions that require a pilgrim to be exempt from Hajj vaccines?
- Exemption from Hajj vaccines (seasonal influenza and meningitis vaccines) can be obtained by submitting a request to the 937 call center, along with a medical report. The call center will forward the request to the relevant medical committee to review the case and issue an exemption decision. If the committee approves, the status will be reflected in the Sehhaty app.
- Regarding exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine, the request can be submitted via: Service Cards - Exemption from COVID-19 Vaccines Service, as explained in the instructions on the link.
11. Where can Hajj vaccines be obtained?
At healthcare centers providing Hajj vaccinations, by booking through the "Sehhaty" app, using the "Book Appointments" icon, then the "Adult Vaccinations" icon, then the "Hajj Vaccines" icon. The geographic locations of centers providing Hajj vaccines are available on the app.
You can also download and access the "Sehhaty" app through the following links:
12. Do primary healthcare centers provide Hajj vaccines on Fridays and Saturdays?
Yes, you can book your appointment through the "Sehhaty" app.
13. How are vaccines taken from abroad documented?
They are documented through the vaccine documentation clinics at primary healthcare centers.
If the domestic pilgrim was outside the Kingdom when he took the vaccines, he can document them by sending certificates of vaccinations to the Vaccination Operations Department via
email.
14. How can I obtain a Hajj vaccination certificate?
The Hajj vaccination certificate can be downloaded from the citizen or resident's profile in the "Sehhaty" app, selecting "General Vaccinations," then clicking the "Download Report" icon and selecting the "Hajj Vaccination Report."
Appendix (1): Reviewing Hajj vaccinations on Sehhaty application