January 2005

Recommendations for Hajj and Umrah

An article published in the BMJ on 15 January 2005 contained an error in the recommendations for the use of meningococcal vaccine for Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia. [1] There was also an error as concerns malaria prevention which is not needed for pilgrims.

The article, an abridged version of which was included in the RCN Travel Health Forum summer newsletter, [2] incorrectly stated that two doses of the conjugate meningococcal vaccine were required by pilgrims to the Hajj.

The official requirement (based on the 2004/5 Hajj) is that all adult travellers to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage receive one dose of the polysaccharide ACW135Y vaccine. This vaccine should have been received at least 10 days before departure and no less than three years previously. The requirements in full can be found on the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health website. http://www.moh.gov.sa/haj1425/haje.htm This should be updated in due course for the 2006 Hajj and NaTHNaC will post the requirements.

The next Hajj pilgrimage is to take place in January 2006.

References

 

1. Gatrad AR, Sheikh A. Hajj: journey of a lifetime. BMJ 2005; 330: 133-137

2. Gatrad AR, Sheikh A. Hajj: journey of a lifetime. RCN Travel Health Forum Newsletter. 21 June 2005