Hajj

The Hajj is the largest once-a-year pilgrimage on the earth.

The pilgrimage takes place within the 8th-13th day with the twelfth month from the Islamic calendar (Dhu al-
Hijjah). The Islamic calendar is eleven days shorter as opposed to Gregorian calendar Employed in the western
planet. The Gregorian date on the Hajj is eleven times previously from calendar year to calendar year. In 1439H
(2018) Hajj will tumble roughly amongst 19th to 24th August 2018.

Umrah

The Umrah is usually a pilgrimage to Mecca which can be undertaken Anytime with the yr. Umrah isn't regarded
as compulsory but it is extremely advised in Islam. There's two differing kinds of Umrah.

Umrah could be combined with the Hajj (Umrat al-tammatu) or taken independently in the Hajj (al-Umrat al
mufradah).

Common Travel Tips

All pilgrims need to intention to get healthy for Hajj, the pilgrimage could be an arduous endeavor for even the
fittest particular person. Holding Energetic, bettering mobility and working out properly is recommended. Some
travellers may well take pleasure in a standard health Test-up with their GP before departure to optimise their
health and fitness, specifically the elderly, These with fundamental health problems or through pregnancy. Woman
pilgrims may perhaps wish to hold off menstruation in the course of Hajj and This could be discussed well
beforehand With all the GP who may perhaps prescribe hormonal therapy.

Pilgrims using standard medication ought to critique their prescription with their GP and make certain that they
have ample medicines to deal with the vacation. A letter in the GP with details of current medication may very well
be useful for immigration needs and all medicines need to be kept in their authentic packaging and carried inside
the hand baggage that has a printed duplicate on the prescription.

A private professional medical/to start with support package is essential for pilgrims. It should really include
dressings, plasters, tiny bandages, antiseptic lotion/product, adhesive tape, Sunshine burn lotion, scissors,
protection pins, antihistamine cream, blister dressings, rehydration salts, analgesics for pain and an antidiarrhoeal
agent such as loperamide.

Saudi Arabia Hajj Laws

The Saudi Ministry of Health and fitness (MoH) has issued their specifications and suggestions for entry visas with
the Hajj and Umrah in 2018Link These are typically updated every year.

Also the Saudi MoH Web page includes useful wellness information and resourcesLink for pilgrims to Saudi
Arabia.

Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health Up-to-date Advice (2018)

For Hajj 1439H (2018) the Saudi MoH endorses which the elderly (over 65 years of age), Individuals with Persistent
diseases (e.g. cardiovascular disease, kidney condition, respiratory condition, diabetes), immune deficiency
(congenital and purchased), malignancy, terminal health issues, pregnant women and children (less than 12
decades) postpone the effectiveness of the Hajj and Umrah for their unique security.
Hajj and Umrah Vaccination Requirements

Meningococcal Meningitis

Readers arriving for Umrah, Hajj or for seasonal perform in Hajj zones, are needed to post a legitimate vaccination
certificate which has a Quadrivalent (ACWY) meningococcal vaccine administered no less than 10 days just before
arrival to Saudi Arabia.

Vaccination with Considered one of the following vaccines is appropriate:

Quadrivalent (ACWY) polysaccharide vaccine throughout the final three many years.

Quadrivalent (ACWY) conjugate vaccine in the last 5 yrs.

Note: Should the vaccine kind is not really indicated in the certificate, the certificate will be legitimate for three
decades.

Vaccination with Quadrivalent (ACWY) conjugate vaccine is usually needed for:

Domestic pilgrims.

Residents of the two holy metropolitan areas (Mecca and Medina).

Any person who may very well be in connection with pilgrims such as staff in healthcare options.

The Saudi MoH might decide to administer prophylactic antibiotics to some travellers at the factors of entry if
considered vital.

Yellow Fever

The Saudi MoH necessitates that all travellers arriving from nations or spots at risk of yellow fever transmission
(see hyperlink below) should current a legitimate yellow fever vaccination certification. The yellow fever
vaccination certificate is valid for all times setting up ten days soon after vaccination.

Nations around the world with hazard of yellow fever virus transmission.

Poliomyelitis

The Saudi MoHLink has introduced that all travellers arriving from nations around the world with circulating wild
or vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2) and from international locations liable to polio reintroduction are needed
to post a legitimate polio vaccination certificate.

Travellers arriving from Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Somalia, the Republic of South Sudan,
the Syrian Arab Republic, and Yemen should really present evidence of vaccination with among the following
vaccines:

Not less than one particular dose of bivalent oral polio vaccine (OPV) in the previous 12 months and administered
not less than 4 weeks just before arrival.

At the least a person dose of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) inside the preceding twelve months and administered
no less than 4 months just before arrival.

Observe:

All travellers arriving with the Democratic Republic on the Congo need a proof of receipt of no less than one dose
of IPV within the preceding twelve months and administered a minimum of four weeks ahead of arrival.

Travellers arriving from Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Somalia, the Republic of South Sudan,
the Syrian Arab Republic, and Yemen can even receive one particular dose of OPV in the border points on arrival
into Saudi Arabia.

Suggested Vaccines for Hajj and Umrah

All travellers must be certain that they're up-to-date Together with the suggested immunisations for all times in
britain e.g. 5 doses of tetanus vaccine and 5 doses of polio vaccine. If it's been in excess of 10 years Because the
traveller's last dose of polio vaccine a booster dose must be presented.

Seasonal Influenza

The Saudi MoH recommends seasonal influenza vaccine for Hajj attendees prior to arrival.

Measles and Rubella

Along with the recent resurgence of measles and rubella conditions, Particular awareness is necessary for both
equally of these diseases in order to avoid common outbreaks in the course of this yr's Hajj and Umrah. Check you
are immune, either from past immunisation (2 doses of MMR) or all-natural measles infection.

Other vaccine recommendations for Saudi Arabia are available around the state report.

Other Health Hazards

Mosquito Chunk Avoidance

Mosquito Chunk avoidance steps are important to the prevention of arthropod-borne infections current in Saudi
Arabia e.g. dengue fever, leishmaniasis, chikungunya and Rift Valley fever. Zika virus has not been detected in
Saudi Arabia.

More info on these bacterial infections and malaria is obtainable to the Saudi Arabia country file.

Further info on Mosquito Bite Avoidance.

Respiratory Infections and MERS CoV

Respiratory tract bacterial infections can unfold very easily in crowded locations. Middle East Respiratory
Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS CoV) could cause fever, cough and respiratory issues. The exact way it is actually
spread in not entirely regarded, but really close contact with instances and contact with dromedary camels are
linked to infection.

The Saudi MoH advises pilgrims to comply with overall health suggestions to control the spread of respiratory
infections which include MERS CoV, which may be summarized as follows:

Wash palms with soap and water or disinfectant, Specially immediately after coughing and sneezing.

Use disposable tissues when coughing or sneezing and eliminate Continue reading them correctly.

Stay away from hand contact with the eyes, nose and mouth.

Stay clear of immediate contact with contaminated folks or use of their individual gadgets.

Avoid direct contact with animals, notably camels and steer clear of their collecting spots.

Avoid ingesting camel milk Except it's pasteurised or boiled, camel urine or having undercooked camel meat.

If signs and symptoms of fever, chilly, flu-like ailment or cough build

look for professional medical enable early

avoid crowded spots or have on experience masks if This can be impossible.

Retain very good individual hygiene.

Travellers' Diarrhoea

Diarrhoeal disorder is widespread through Hajj and all travellers are at risk. Diarrhoeal illness may very well be
much more significant in young youngsters, the elderly and those with underlying wellness trouble who may
perhaps turn into speedily and dangerously dehydrated.

Additional information on travellers' diarrhoea.

Local weather Similar Overall health Threats

Even through the winter months temperatures during the day in Saudi Arabia can attain thirty°C, sunburn,
sunstroke, heat exhaustion, warmth stroke and dehydration can be a risk. High quality footwear is crucial as sand
within the desert could get very very hot.

Ideally pilgrims need to arrive in time to allow acclimatisation to the recent ailments prior to endeavor Hajj.
Pilgrims must be encouraged to relaxation, retain excellent hydration with Risk-free liquids, seek out shade where
by doable and utilize a sunscreen variable fifteen or higher. Pilgrims can make shade by using an umbrella. Some
rituals can be performed while in the night to prevent high daytime temperatures; Saudi authorities have decreed
that pilgrims can perform the Stoning on the Satan whenever concerning dawn and sunset.

Even more information on Sunshine publicity.

Blood-borne Virus Transmission Associated with Shaving

At the end of Hajj, Muslim Gentlemen shave their heads, and non-sterile blades can transmit blood-borne
bacterial infections, like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Only accredited barbers at officially specified centres
should be frequented. A disposable solitary-use blade or your own https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/?search=umrah
razor needs to be utilized.

Accidents and Accidents

While in the exclusive setting of Hajj pilgrimage it's unsurprising that accidents and injuries manifest. The Saudi
Arabia federal government has manufactured enhancements to make sure the safety of pilgrims.

Site visitors motor vehicle incidents are a possible hazard as pilgrims may walk very long distances by way of or
near to dense visitors and fast paced roads. Minimal injuries on the toes are widespread. Pilgrims with diabetes or
bad circulation on the reduce limbs need to get particular care and dress in acceptable footwear.

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