Saudi Arabia and CDC Update Hajj Vaccination Requirements

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Level 1 Travel vaccine requirements updated for pilgrims attending the Hajj

 

May 31st, 2019 – The Hajj, or annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is scheduled for August 9–14, 2019, which enables those planning on attending this worldwide event have ample time to appropriately prepare for the trip.

The Hajj is one of the world’s largest mass gatherings each year and is associated with unique health risks.

More than 2 million Muslims from over 183 countries make Hajj each year, with approximately 11,000 Hajj pilgrims traveling from the United States.

Before attending the Hajj, both the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia published vaccine requirements and travel recommendations.

The CDC updated its Level 1 Travel Alert on May 31, 2019, saying those participating in the Hajj should be up-to-date on all Routine vaccines, especially the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR).

The CDC says the measles virus is extremely contagious, and the crowded conditions during Hajj provide an ideal opportunity for measles transmission.

As of May 7, 2019, the European Region reported 34,300 measles cases in 42 countries during 2019.

For travelers who do not have evidence of measles immunity or who lack written documentation of measles vaccination, the CDC recommends 2 doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days, to be completed before travel.

Test For Your Measles Immunity

Additionally, the Saudi Ministry of Health recommends that Hajj pilgrims confirm they have been vaccinated against these diseases:

Yellow Fever:  All travelers arriving from countries or areas at risk of yellow fever transmission must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate, stating vaccinated against the disease before the arrival of the Kingdom no later than (10) days and not more than (10) years. The Stamaril vaccine is available in the USA.

Meningococcal meningitis:  Visitors are required to submit a valid vaccination certificate with a tetravalent (ACYW135) meningococcal vaccine administered no less than 10 days prior to arrival to Saudi Arabia.

Poliomyelitis:  Travelers arriving from countries with circulating wild or vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2) and from countries at risk of polio reintroduction, are required to submit a valid polio vaccination certificate.

Seasonal Influenza:  The Ministry of Health in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia recommends that all pilgrims get vaccinated against the 2018/19 seasonal influenza.

The CDC suggests scheduling a visit with a travel vaccine specialist at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure.

Travel vaccine counseling sessions can be scheduled at Vax-Before-Travel.

The CDC Vaccine Price List provides the private sector vaccine prices for general information, and vaccine financial support programs can be found at Vaccine Discounts.

And, pack enough prescription and over-the-counter medicines to last your entire trip.

The CDC says if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness within 14 days after traveling from countries in or near the Arabian Peninsula, you should call a healthcare provider and mention your recent international travel.

Americans traveling abroad can enroll with the nearest US embassy or consulate through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive the latest safety updates and assistance in an emergency.

 

VAX BEFORE TRAVEL WEB

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