Ministry of Public Health provided guidelines on the types of vaccines that are mandatory and recommended before travelling for Hajj

The Ministry of Public Health has issued instructions for the types of vaccines that are required and advised, emphasizing the need of getting vaccinated before traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Haj. According to the Ministry, everyone one year of age and older must take the conjugate quadrivalent (ACWY) vaccine against meningococcal meningitis. However, kids between the ages of six and twelve months can receive the vaccine in two doses spaced two months apart. 

In addition, the pneumococcal vaccine, the Covid-19 vaccine, and the seasonal influenza vaccine are advised. 

While the pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for seniors over 65 and other high-risk individuals, such as those with chronic conditions like diabetes, sickle cell anemia, renal failure, chronic respiratory or splenctomy, cardiovascular disease, heavy smokers, or immunocompromised people, the influenza vaccine is recommended for those six months of age and older. 

It further stated that everyone 12 years of age and older should have the Covid-19 vaccination. To ensure that their bodies are ready for the physical strain and other health hazards that come with attending such big events, it is crucial that healthy and well-prepared people make this journey.