Keeping Safe During Your Trip to the Hajj and Umrah

Posted: Jul 1st, 2016 at 12:00AM - by e7 Health

The Hajj is an annual pilgrimage undertaken by millions of Muslims from around the world to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. In 2016, the Hajj will take place from September 9-13. Umrah is similar to the Hajj but can be taken at any time of the year. These large crowds of people from all across the world gather, eat, and sleep in a very close space which causes concern for numerous health risks.

Although the meningococcal vaccine is the only required vaccination to attend the Hajj or Umrah, there are numerous other health risks associated with this pilgrimage, so it is essential to visit a travel medicine clinic at least four weeks before leaving for your trip. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that travelers be up-to-date on all routine vaccinations including MMR (Measles, mumps, and rubella), varicella (Chickenpox), Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), polio, and the annual flu vaccine. Other vaccines that may be recommended include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Rabies. In addition to vaccinations, prescriptions may be recommended including malaria and traveler's diarrhea.

CDC and the Saudi Ministry of Health also advise people with certain medical conditions to forgo the trip entirely. People over the age of 65 and under 12 years old, pregnant women, and people with chronic illness or a weakened immune system should postpone travel.

Once in the country it is important to follow safety guidelines. CDC advises that individuals avoid the most densely popular areas at peak times and bring plenty of bottled water and sunscreen. Although vaccines such as typhoid and hepatitis A can help prevent some food borne diseases, visitors should also follow food precautions such as not eating food prepared by street vendors or food that has been left out or not heated properly.

To learn more about precautions and to receive all the vaccines recommended for your pilgrimage, schedule a consultation at e7 Health to meet with one of your travel clinicians. Vaccinations and recommendations are tailored to your specific trip, medical history and previous vaccination history.