Performing the rituals of Hajj and Umrah is strenuous and often involves long walks in hot weather. Pilgrims must ensure that they are as physically fit as possible.
Ideally, pilgrims should see their doctor at least four to six weeks before the Hajj for advice on vaccinations, food and water precautions, risks from insect bites, heat exhaustion and how to avoid injury.
Pilgrims with pre-existing medical conditions should discuss with their doctor whether traveling is an option. If they are taking medication, they should ensure that they have a sufficient supply for the time abroad and that they have a copy of their prescription with them.
The following vaccinations are recommended or mandatory (see the website of the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for details).
- All pilgrims should have up-to-date routine vaccinations (diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis/poliomyelitis/measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, etc.).
- The meningococcal vaccination (quadrivalent conjugate vaccine, Menveo®) is mandatory for all persons aged 1 year and over and must be administered at least 10 days before departure.
- Poliomyelitis vaccination: In addition to the basic immunization, a polio booster vaccination is mandatory if you are traveling from countries where wild polioviruses or circulating polioviruses have been reported.
- Hepatitis A vaccination
- Hepatitis B vaccination (especially for men due to the frequent shaving of the head on site)
- A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory when entering Saudi Arabia from countries or areas at risk of yellow fever.
- COVID-19 vaccination is recommended by the ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for people ≥12 years of age.
- Influenza vaccination, especially for risk groups.
- For other vaccinations depending on risk: see country page at www.healthytravel.ch
Recommended precautions:
- Disposable razor blades recommended for the obligatory head shave
- Good personal hygiene (hand washing, disinfection, etc.), handkerchiefs when coughing or sneezing and disposal of used handkerchiefs in a waste bin.
- Wear a face mask in large crowds.
- Avoid contact with people who appear ill and do not share their personal belongings.
- Avoid visiting and coming into contact with camels on farms, markets or in stables, and avoid drinking unpasteurized milk or eating raw meat or animal products that have not been thoroughly cooked.
- Good food and drinking water hygiene to prevent food and waterborne diseases
- Drink plenty of fluids!
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Mosquito repellent, especially during the day (dengue!)