Hajj pilgrims are urged to have necessary vaccinations (From Keighley News)

Hajj pilgrims are urged to have necessary vaccinations

1:00pm Friday 31st August 2012 in News

A Keighley medical centre is urging people heading on the Hajj Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca to ensure they have the necessary vaccinations.

As part of visa requirements, all pilgrims over the age of two need proof of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis in the form of a certificate which must have been issued not more than three years and not less than ten days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.

It is also recommended that Hajj travellers ensure polio vaccinations are up to date and that they have a seasonal flu vaccination.

North Street surgery, operated by One Medicare, is running dedicated Hajj travel clinics this month and next to provide advice and vaccinations.

Rachael Pengelly, operations manager at the surgery, said: “It is important that Muslims going on the Hajj this year check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s travel advice and the requirements set out by the Saudi government.

“We strongly advise our patients who are travelling to Hajj to book an appointment three or more weeks before travel to allow time for the practice to order the vaccine and for it to become fully effective.”

For more details, phone (01535) 607444.