Travel vaccinations
Hajj and Umrah Vaccinations in Greater Manchester
We are a GPhC-registered pharmacy and travel vaccination centre in Rochdale, supporting Hajj and Umrah pilgrims across Greater Manchester, including Oldham, Bury, Bolton, Blackburn and Manchester. Preparing for the pilgrimage is a significant undertaking, and good health helps you focus on what matters most while you are away.
Our pharmacist-led team provides the required and recommended vaccinations for pilgrims, with certification where needed, in a calm and respectful setting. We are happy to see families together.
- Mandatory ACWYMeningococcal ACWY vaccination and certificate
- Pharmacist-ledVaccines given by a registered healthcare professional
- Certificate in clinicCertification provided at your appointment
- Near ManchesterRochdale, serving the North West
Hajj and Umrah
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is obligatory once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to perform it, and it takes place each year during Dhul Hijjah.
Umrah is a recommended act of worship that can be performed at any time of year. It does not fulfil the obligation of Hajj. Many pilgrims perform Umrah more than once, while Hajj remains the once in a lifetime duty for those who are able.
Whichever you are preparing for, the vaccination requirements set by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are the same, and being in good health helps you focus on your worship while you are away.
Required vaccinations for Hajj and Umrah
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia sets the entry requirements for pilgrims. One vaccination is mandatory for all pilgrims, and proof must be presented on arrival. Two others may be required depending on the countries you have travelled from or through. Our pharmacists will confirm exactly what you need for your circumstances.
Meningococcal ACWY vaccination
Meningococcal ACWY vaccination is a mandatory entry requirement for all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims aged one year and over, and you must hold a valid certificate to enter Saudi Arabia. The quadrivalent (A, C, W, Y) vaccine should be given at least 10 days before you arrive, and the certificate for the conjugate vaccine is accepted for up to five years.
At Longeva we provide the vaccination, your certificate, and a travel health consultation in the same visit.
Polio vaccination
Saudi Arabia requires proof of polio vaccination from pilgrims who have travelled from, or through, certain countries where polio remains a risk. Most pilgrims travelling directly from the UK will not need separate proof, but a polio booster is recommended to keep your cover up to date, and is usually given as a combined diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccine. Our pharmacists will check whether this applies to you.
Yellow fever vaccination
Yellow fever vaccination is not routinely required for travel from the United Kingdom. However, Saudi Arabia may require proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are travelling from, or transiting through, a country where yellow fever is present. If this applies to you, our pharmacists can advise whether vaccination and certification are needed.
Recommended vaccinations for pilgrims
Alongside the mandatory ACWY vaccine, our pharmacists commonly discuss the following with Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Whether each is right for you depends on your health, your medical history and your plans, and we will talk this through at your consultation.
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Typhoid
Typhoid is spread through contaminated food and water, and large gatherings with shared catering can increase the risk.
Typhoid vaccination -
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is commonly recommended for travel and is also spread through contaminated food and water.
Hepatitis A vaccination -
Seasonal influenza
Large gatherings raise the risk of respiratory infections, and seasonal influenza vaccination is commonly recommended for pilgrims before travel.
Seasonal influenza vaccination -
Pneumococcal
Pneumococcal vaccination may be appropriate for older adults and for travellers with certain long-term conditions.
Pneumococcal vaccination -
Diphtheria, tetanus and polio booster
A booster may be appropriate if it has been some years since your last dose, and it also covers polio.
Diphtheria, tetanus and polio booster
Planning your pilgrimage
Book early
The Meningococcal ACWY vaccination must be given at least 10 days before you arrive in Saudi Arabia. Booking early leaves enough time for vaccination, certification and the rest of your preparations.
Umrah
Umrah can be performed throughout the year, and appointment demand often rises during school holidays and in Ramadan.
Hajj
Hajj takes place once a year, and demand for appointments usually increases in the months beforehand. Early booking is recommended.
Book your travel vaccination consultation
Our pharmacist-led team can advise on the required and recommended vaccines, certification, and any health risks relevant to your travel, so you can focus on your pilgrimage. We confirm the fee with you when you book.
Book a consultationFrequently asked questions
Is the ACWY vaccine mandatory for Umrah as well as Hajj?
Yes. Meningococcal ACWY vaccination is a mandatory entry requirement for both Hajj and Umrah pilgrims aged one year and over, and you must hold a valid certificate to enter Saudi Arabia.
How long before travel do I need the ACWY vaccine?
It should be given at least 10 days before you arrive in Saudi Arabia, so the certificate is valid and your protection has time to develop. We recommend booking several weeks ahead where possible.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Saudi Arabia?
Not if you are travelling directly from the United Kingdom. You may need one if you are arriving from, or have travelled through, a country where yellow fever is present. Bring your full travel plans to your consultation and we will check.
Which vaccines are required and which are recommended?
Meningococcal ACWY is the mandatory entry requirement for all pilgrims. Polio and yellow fever may be required depending on the countries you have travelled from or through. Others, such as typhoid, hepatitis A, influenza and pneumococcal, are recommended based on your individual circumstances.
Can my family be vaccinated together?
Yes. We are happy to see families together and will talk through what each person needs. Please mention any children, older relatives, pregnancy or long-term health conditions when you book.
Do you provide the certificate I need?
Yes. Where a vaccination requires certification, we provide it at your appointment.