Hajj and Umrah pilgrims

During the joyous time of pilgrimage to Hajj or Umrah, millions of people from all over the world come together in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Because of the crowded conditions at ceremonies, accommodation sites and on public transport, those people (pilgrims) are at extra risk of contracting infectious diseases, including meningitis.

The Meningitis Trust is urging Muslims in the UK to ensure they are immunised against meningitis as part of their preparations for their Hajj pilgrimage.

Download our in information leaflet, Meningitis Hajj and Umrah - Be aware, written for pilgrims about meningitis, meningococcal septicaemia and travel vaccination.

Meningitis and travel

A travel vaccine is available to prevent some groups of meningococcal disease. Group A causes epidemics in Sub-Saharan Africa and results in thousands of deaths each year.

In recent years, group W135 has caused outbreaks in pilgrims travelling to the Hajj in Saudi Arabia, and it is now a legal requirement that these visitors are vaccinated against W135.

The vaccine protects against groups A, C, W135 and Y, and is available for travellers to ‘at risk’ areas of the world. Always check with your GP or travel clinic for the most up-to-date vaccine information.