Meningococcal immunization: Hajj and Umrah requirements in Saudi Arabia

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners
Date: May 16, 2025
From: Dr. Laura Bourns, Deputy Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Meningococcal immunization: Hajj and Umrah requirements in Saudi Arabia

Dear Colleagues,

This year, Hajj is expected to take place between June 4 to 9, 2025. Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be performed any time in the year. Those traveling to Saudi Arabia for the purposes of Hajj or Umrah are at increased risk of exposure to meningococcal disease.

Due to the increased risk of meningococcal disease associated with this travel, the following are recommendations for vaccination with a Men-C-ACYW vaccine:

• Those traveling to Saudi Arabia for the purposes of Hajj or Umrah should be vaccinated with a Men-C-ACYW vaccine. All travelers 6 weeks of age of age and older who are going to Saudi Arabia should be assessed, if they or their family members will be participating in the Hajj or Umrah. Men-C-ACYW vaccines currently distributed in Canada included Nimenrix, Menactra and Menveo.
• When travelling to areas where meningococcal vaccine is recommended or required, re-vaccination with Men-C-ACYW is recommended every 3 to 5 years for those vaccinated at 6 years of age and younger, and every 5 years for those vaccinated at 7 years of age and older
• The Government of Canada website has travel advice and advisories for Saudi Arabia, including vaccine entry requirements.

Eligibility for Publicly Funded Men-C-ACYW Vaccine

Those eligible for publicly funded Men-C-ACYW vaccine include:

• Children in grades 7-12 who did not receive a dose as part of the school vaccination program.
• Those born in or after 1997 who did not receive a dose as part of the school vaccination program.
• Individuals eligible under the high-risk meningococcal program.

NOTE: Men-C-ACYW is not publicly funded in Ontario for the purpose of travel.

For additional information refer to:

• Canadian Immunization Guide, Part 4, Meningococcal vaccines
• CATMAT statement: Meningococcal disease and international travel - Canada.ca