The Meningitis ACWY Vaccine for Hajj and Umrah | Medihub Pharmacy

Of all the preparation for Hajj or Umrah, one health item is not a matter of choice. Saudi Arabia requires every pilgrim to be vaccinated against meningitis with the quadrivalent ACWY vaccine, and to show the certificate as part of the visa process. It is the one jab you cannot travel without, so it is worth understanding exactly what it is and how to get the timing right. This guide sits alongside our complete guide to Hajj and Umrah vaccinations.

What the Meningitis ACWY Vaccine Is

Meningococcal disease is a serious infection that can cause meningitis and blood poisoning. It is grouped by type, and the quadrivalent ACWY vaccine protects against four of them: A, C, W and Y. A single dose provides protection, and for adults it is given as one injection into the upper arm.

Saudi Arabia requires this specific vaccine of pilgrims because Hajj and Umrah bring very large numbers of people together from all over the world, in close contact, which is the sort of environment where meningococcal disease can spread. The requirement protects both individual pilgrims and the gathering as a whole. It is part of the wider set of vaccines discussed in our Hajj and Umrah vaccinations guide.

The Certificate, the 10-Day Rule and Validity

The vaccine itself is simple; the paperwork is where people slip up. Two things matter. First, the vaccine must be given at least 10 days before you arrive in Saudi Arabia for the certificate to be accepted, because that is the time it takes to build reliable protection. Second, the certificate is valid for a set period rather than for life, so a meningitis vaccination from several years ago, or a childhood dose, may no longer count for your trip.

This is why it is worth checking your history with a prescriber rather than assuming you are covered. We issue the official certificate at the time of vaccination, so you have the document you need for your visa and to carry with you. Keep it with your travel papers.

Getting It at Medihub

At Medihub the Meningitis ACWY vaccine is a single dose priced at £50, which includes the certificate. Your initial travel consultation is free, and a £20 consultation fee applies on a visit where you have vaccines. You can have the meningitis vaccine alongside any other recommended jabs at the same appointment, which keeps the cost down as the consultation fee is charged per visit rather than per vaccine. You can see the full list in our Hajj and Umrah travel health guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the meningitis vaccine really compulsory for Umrah as well as Hajj?

Yes. The Meningitis ACWY certificate is required for both Hajj and Umrah as part of the visa process. It applies regardless of the season you travel.

How long before travel do I need it?

At least 10 days before you arrive in Saudi Arabia, so the certificate is accepted. Coming in four to six weeks ahead is better, as it leaves room for any other recommended vaccines too.

I had a meningitis vaccine years ago. Does that count?

It may not. The certificate is valid for a set period rather than for life, and a childhood dose or an older vaccination may no longer be accepted. Bring what records you have and we will check whether you need a fresh dose.

Does Medihub give the certificate?

Yes. We issue the certificate at the time of vaccination at both Swansea branches. The £50 price includes it.

Can I have it at the same time as my other jabs?

Yes, and it makes sense to. Several vaccines can be given at one appointment, and our consultation fee is per visit rather than per vaccine, so combining them keeps the cost down.

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The meningitis certificate is the one thing you cannot travel without, so it is worth sorting early. Book a consultation at either branch, and read everything you need for Hajj and Umrah for the full picture.