Planning Hajj or Umrah? The MenACWY vaccine is mandatory for Hajj and strongly recommended for Umrah. Get vaccinated and receive your official certificate at our Chislehurst pharmacy — no long waits, no referral needed.
Meningococcal disease is a serious, potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. It spreads through close contact — coughing, sneezing, sharing food or drinks — and can progress from mild symptoms to life-threatening meningitis or septicaemia within hours. Mass gatherings where millions of people from across the world sleep, eat and worship in close proximity dramatically increase transmission risk, which is why Saudi Arabia requires MenACWY vaccination for Hajj.
Hajj has a long history of meningococcal outbreaks. In 2000/2001 a major group W outbreak among Hajj pilgrims led directly to the current Saudi vaccination requirements. By March 2025, 17 meningococcal cases associated with Saudi Arabian pilgrimage had been reported globally. In 2024, 12 cases were confirmed across the UK, US and France among Hajj and Umrah returnees — 9 of whom were unvaccinated. Saudi Ministry of Health data showed Umrah pilgrim compliance was only 54% in March 2025, which is why vaccination enforcement is now tightening.
Two vaccine types exist, but they are not equivalent. The conjugate MenACWY vaccine provides longer-lasting immunity and its official certificate is valid for 5 years. The older polysaccharide vaccine produces weaker, shorter-lasting immunity and its certificate is only valid for 3 years. Saudi authorities and NaTHNaC both prefer the conjugate vaccine — it is what we administer at our Chislehurst pharmacy.
Book Your MenACWY Vaccination
Based on current Saudi Ministry of Health, NaTHNaC and UKHSA guidance. Your pharmacist will confirm your individual requirements during consultation.
| Vaccine | Hajj | Umrah | Certificate Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| MenACWY | Mandatory | Strongly recommended | Yes — 10 days before arrival |
| Typhoid | Recommended | Recommended | No |
| Hepatitis A | Recommended | Recommended | No |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended | Recommended | No |
| Influenza (seasonal) | Recommended | Recommended | No |
| Polio | Required if travelling from a polio-risk country | Required if travelling from a polio-risk country | Yes, if applicable |
| Yellow fever | Required if transiting an endemic country | Required if transiting an endemic country | Yes, if applicable |
Whether it's your first pilgrimage or a return journey, our pharmacist will confirm the right vaccination path for you.
If you have never received MenACWY vaccination, you need a full dose at least 10 days before departure. Our pharmacist will confirm which vaccine type is appropriate for your age and health history and issue your official certificate at the same appointment.
If your previous MenACWY certificate has expired — or if more than 5 years have passed since a conjugate vaccine, or more than 3 years since a polysaccharide vaccine — you will need a new dose and a new certificate before you can travel.
MenACWY is not yet universally enforced at the border for Umrah, but Saudi health authorities are tightening compliance following 2024/2025 outbreaks. UKHSA strongly advises all Umrah pilgrims to vaccinate regardless. Our pharmacist will advise on your full travel health needs for Saudi Arabia.
A straightforward, professional appointment from consultation to certificate — approximately 20 minutes total.
Our GPhC-registered pharmacist confirms your travel dates, reviews any previous MenACWY vaccination, and checks whether you need additional recommended vaccines for your pilgrimage (typhoid, hepatitis A and B, influenza). We also verify whether polio or yellow fever requirements apply to your specific itinerary.
Single MenACWY conjugate vaccine administered into your upper arm. Additional recommended vaccines can be given at the same visit using different injection sites. Protection begins to develop within 7–10 days.
Your official MenACWY vaccination certificate is issued at the same appointment — bring it to your visa application or keep it with your passport. We also provide a vaccination record card for any additional vaccines administered.
Simple, inclusive pricing. All MenACWY appointments include the official certificate — no hidden fees.
Your pharmacist may recommend some or all of the following alongside your MenACWY, depending on your medical history and itinerary. These can be administered at the same appointment using different injection sites.
