Travel vaccines for Saudi Arabia in West Hampstead

Travel vaccines for Saudi Arabia at a glance

If you are travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah, the headline vaccine is MenACWY. It is mandatory, certificate-checked at the border, and your airline can deny boarding without it. Aqua Travel Clinic in West Hampstead administers MenACWY and issues the certificate in clinic, along with Hep A, Typhoid, polio booster and seasonal influenza as needed.

MenACWY: the mandatory pilgrim vaccine

The Saudi Ministry of Health requires every Hajj and Umrah pilgrim aged 1 year and over to hold a valid MenACWY certificate. The certificate must be issued at least 10 days before arrival and no more than 5 years earlier (or 3 years for the polysaccharide formulation). The vaccine is a single injection and the certificate is issued in clinic at the same visit. If you have been vaccinated within the last 5 years for school or work, the pharmacist will confirm whether your existing record is acceptable for Saudi entry.

Hepatitis A and Typhoid for the holy sites

The food and water environment around Mecca and Medina, especially in pilgrim catering kitchens that serve millions, makes Hep A and Typhoid sensible for most pilgrims. Both are available separately or together as the combined Viatim injection. Hep A protects for around 12 months after one dose and 25 years with a booster; Typhoid covers around 3 years.

Polio booster: who needs it

Saudi Arabia requires a polio booster for visitors arriving from countries where polio still circulates or has recently been reported. The list is updated by WHO and Saudi authorities and can change between Hajj seasons. If your travel route or origin triggers the rule, the booster must be given between 4 weeks and 12 months before arrival. The pharmacist will check your route during the consultation and administer if required.

Influenza for winter Hajj and Umrah

Hajj is one of the largest mass gatherings in the world and influenza spreads rapidly through the holy sites, especially in winter. Saudi authorities strongly recommend seasonal flu vaccination for all pilgrims, particularly those over 65, those with chronic conditions and anyone who has been ill recently. Aqua keeps the current season influenza vaccine in stock from autumn onwards.

Heat, hydration and mass-gathering hygiene

Vaccines are only part of the pilgrim health picture. The pharmacist will run through heat illness prevention, hydration, hand hygiene in crowds, mask wearing in dense spaces and what to take with you in a wash bag for the holy sites. Many pilgrims also benefit from a sterile cuts and grazes kit for ihram days.

Plan your departure timeline

Ideally book at least 2 weeks before departure. This puts your MenACWY certificate comfortably outside the 10-day minimum window, gives Hep A and polio time to take effect, and means we can plan around any flu vaccine or routine UK booster you need.

Book your Hajj or Umrah appointment

Aqua Travel Clinic is at 59 Mill Lane, West Hampstead NW6 1NB, one minute from West Hampstead station and a short walk or bus ride from Kilburn, Cricklewood, Brondesbury and Willesden Green, which serve some of the largest Hajj and Umrah pilgrim catchments in north-west London. The clinic is operated by Aqua Pharmacy (GPhC premises 1123406), part of Naspram Pharma Limited. Consultations are supervised by Superintendent Pharmacist Sanjay Mukundkumar Patel (GPhC 2045157). Book your Hajj or Umrah vaccines online. Most pilgrims are sorted in a single 15 minute appointment.