Umrah travel is not only about spiritual readiness, but also physical. Differences in weather, extreme hot climates, and large crowds can increase the risk of contracting diseases. In order for worship to run smoothly and stay healthy while there, vaccination is an important step that should not be ignored .
Through this article, you will learn about the types of vaccines that are mandatory and recommended for prospective Umrah pilgrims , as part of efforts to protect themselves and others.
Types of Vaccines for Prospective Umrah Pilgrims
Vaccination is done as a preventive measure against diseases that could interfere with your Umrah pilgrimage. The following are the types of vaccines recommended for prospective Umrah pilgrims:
1. Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccine
All prospective Umrah pilgrims over the age of 2 are required to receive this vaccine. Meningococcal meningitis is a disease that is easily transmitted through droplets and can spread widely in crowds such as during the Umrah pilgrimage.
Vaccines must be given at least 10 days before departure. The Saudi Arabian government recognizes two types of vaccines, namely:
- Quadrivalent polysaccharide (ACYW): valid for 3 years.
- Quadrivalent conjugation (ACYW): valid for 5 years.
2. Polio Vaccine
Pilgrims from countries with active polio cases, such as Indonesia, are required to receive this vaccine.
- Vaccine type: bOPV (oral) or IPV (injection).
- The vaccine must be injected within a period of 4 weeks to 12 months before departure.
Polio is highly contagious and can spread quickly in crowded environments, making the vaccine an essential requirement.
3. Yellow Fever Vaccine
This vaccine is not mandatory for pilgrims from Indonesia, unless you have had:
- Stay or transit (>12 hours) in a yellow fever endemic country in the last 6 days before arriving in Saudi Arabia.
These countries include some areas in Africa and South America. If you fall into the above categories, you are required to present an International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. Without this certificate, you may be denied entry or subject to additional observation procedures. To ensure the need for this vaccine, consult a doctor or Umrah health service facility before leaving.
Other Additional Vaccines
In addition to mandatory vaccines, there are a number of additional vaccines recommended for prospective Umrah pilgrims, depending on their health condition, age, and travel history. Make sure you consult a doctor to ensure the vaccines given are in accordance with your personal needs and medical conditions.
1. Additional vaccines based on individual or travel risk:
- Cholera
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid fever
- Rabies
- Japanese encephalitis
2. Routine vaccines that should be renewed (booster):
- Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Pneumococcus
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Varicella
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
- Tuberculosis (BCG)
- Rotavirus
Completing routine immunizations helps maintain the body's immune system and prevents diseases that can interfere with worship.
Consult Your Vaccine Type
In order for the Umrah pilgrimage to run smoothly, comfortably and solemnly, it is important for every prospective pilgrim to maintain their health before departure.
One of the most effective preventive measures is through vaccination. However, the type of vaccine needed can vary depending on age, health conditions, medical history, and countries previously visited.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to first consult a doctor or authorized health care facility. Examination by a doctor is important to determine the condition of the body and determine the appropriate and harmless vaccination.
That way, you not only fulfill the requirements for traveling to the Holy Land, but also provide optimal protection for yourself and other pilgrims while performing the pilgrimage.
Article written by dr. Fajar Adesta, Sp.PD (Internal Medicine Specialist, EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).