Preparing for Hajj or Umrah is a spiritual journey long before it is a physical one, and the health side is one part that rewards a little planning. Millions of pilgrims from around the world gather in the same place at the same time, and that combination of travel, heat and close contact makes a small amount of preparation go a long way. The good news is that it is simple to sort, and one vaccine in particular is a firm requirement for your visa.
This guide explains what you need before you travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah, which vaccine is mandatory, which others are recommended, how far ahead to come in, and what it costs at Medihub Pharmacy in Swansea. We see pilgrims face to face at both branches and send you off properly prepared.
Why Medihub?
Medihub Pharmacy runs a private travel clinic from two Swansea branches, Killay and Pontarddulais, both staffed by GPhC-registered Independent Prescribers. We provide the Meningitis ACWY vaccine and certificate needed for your Hajj or Umrah visa, alongside the other recommended vaccines. Your first travel consultation is free, and we can start the same day. No GP referral needed.
The Mandatory One: Meningitis ACWY
The single mandatory vaccine for Hajj and Umrah is the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine, which protects against meningitis groups A, C, W and Y. Saudi Arabia has required it of pilgrims for many years, because bringing huge numbers of people together in close quarters is exactly the setting in which meningococcal disease can spread. You will be asked to show the certificate as part of the visa process.
There are two practical points that catch people out. The vaccine must be given at least 10 days before you arrive in Saudi Arabia for the certificate to be accepted, and the certificate has a validity period, so an older meningitis vaccination may no longer count. We issue the certificate at the time of vaccination. For the full detail on the certificate, timing and validity, see our guide to the Meningitis ACWY vaccine for Hajj and Umrah.
Recommended Vaccines for Pilgrims
Beyond the mandatory certificate, several vaccines are recommended to keep you well during the trip. Hepatitis A and typhoid are worth having, because both spread through contaminated food and water, and mass catering for large crowds raises that risk. A tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster is recommended if you are not up to date within ten years.
Seasonal influenza is strongly encouraged for pilgrims, as respiratory infections pass easily in the crowds, and hepatitis B is worth considering for longer stays or anyone who may need medical or dental care while away. Your prescriber will confirm your personal list based on your health and your plans. For how these fit together and which are compulsory versus advised, read our guide on which vaccines are mandatory for Hajj and Umrah.
Hajj or Umrah: Does the Timing Matter?
The vaccine requirements are the same for both Hajj and Umrah: the Meningitis ACWY certificate is needed either way. What differs is the season and the crowds. Hajj falls at a fixed point in the Islamic calendar and draws the largest numbers, while Umrah can be performed for much of the year, which spreads the crowds out but does not remove the health considerations. If you are travelling for Umrah specifically, our Umrah vaccinations guide covers what you need.
Staying Healthy on the Journey
Vaccines are only part of staying well. The heat in Saudi Arabia can be extreme, particularly when Hajj falls in the summer months, so hydration and sun protection matter a great deal. The sheer density of people means respiratory infections pass easily, and simple hygiene, hand washing and a face covering in the most crowded moments all help. It is also sensible to avoid close contact with camels, which are linked to a respiratory infection called MERS. Our guide on staying healthy on Hajj and Umrah goes through all of this in practical detail.
Hajj and Umrah Vaccine Costs at Medihub
Your initial travel consultation is free. A fixed £20 consultation fee applies to a visit where you have vaccines, and £10 for any follow-up visit, charged per visit rather than per vaccine. The vaccines most relevant to Hajj and Umrah are below.
When to Come In
Aim to come in around four to six weeks before you travel. That leaves time for the Meningitis ACWY certificate to become valid, which needs at least 10 days, and for any other courses to be started. If your trip is sooner, come in anyway, because the mandatory Men ACWY vaccine and single-dose vaccines such as typhoid can still be arranged quickly. Booking early also avoids the rush in the weeks before Hajj, when clinics are busiest.
Why Pilgrims Choose Medihub
At Medihub you are seen in person by a named Independent Prescriber, a pharmacist qualified to assess and prescribe in their own right. At Killay that is Osama Al-Saied, GPhC number 2222112, publicly verifiable on the pharmacy regulator’s register. At Pontarddulais you are seen by Carwyn Jones, also a GPhC-registered Independent Prescriber. We provide the Men ACWY certificate you need for your visa and the other recommended vaccines in one visit where possible.
Both branches keep vaccines in stock. The Killay branch on Gower Road, SA2 7BA, serves Killay, Sketty, West Cross and the Gower peninsula. The Pontarddulais branch on St Teilo Street, SA4 8ST, is convenient for Pontarddulais, Gorseinon, Llansamlet and Morriston. The service and pricing are the same at both.
Preparing for Hajj or Umrah?
Get your Meningitis ACWY certificate and travel vaccines at either Swansea branch. Free initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vaccine is compulsory for Hajj and Umrah?
The Meningitis ACWY (quadrivalent) vaccine is mandatory. Saudi Arabia requires every Hajj and Umrah pilgrim to show a valid certificate as part of the visa process. It must be given at least 10 days before you arrive.
Does Medihub provide the meningitis certificate?
Yes. We give the Meningitis ACWY vaccine and issue the certificate at the time of vaccination, at both Swansea branches. Bring it with your visa documents.
What other vaccines should I have?
Hepatitis A, typhoid and a tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster are commonly recommended, along with seasonal flu, and hepatitis B for some travellers. Your prescriber confirms your personal list. See our guide on mandatory versus recommended vaccines for Hajj and Umrah.
How far ahead should I get vaccinated?
Around four to six weeks before travel is ideal, and the Men ACWY certificate needs at least 10 days to become valid. If time is short, come in anyway, as the mandatory vaccine and single-dose vaccines can be arranged quickly.
Are the requirements the same for Umrah as for Hajj?
The mandatory Meningitis ACWY certificate applies to both. Requirements can change for a given season, so check the current guidance with your travel agent, and we will confirm the latest position at your consultation.
Do I need a GP referral, and which branch do I use?
No referral is needed. Book directly with either branch. Killay (Gower Road, SA2 7BA) suits patients across Killay, Sketty and the Gower peninsula, and Pontarddulais (St Teilo Street, SA4 8ST) is convenient for Pontarddulais, Gorseinon and Morriston.
Getting your Hajj or Umrah vaccinations sorted early means one less thing to think about as your journey approaches. Book a consultation at either Swansea branch and we will make sure you have the mandatory certificate and everything else you need.
Reviewed and medically verified by
Osama Al-Saied, Independent Prescriber
GPhC Number: 2222112 | Independent Prescriber
Medihub Pharmacy, Killay and Pontarddulais, Swansea
Verify on the GPhC register
Last reviewed: 29 July 2026 · Medically reviewed ✓
