The conjugated meningococcal (ACWY) vaccine is a health requirement for individuals performing the Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca which able-bodied Muslims are expected to perform at least once in their lives. A certificate, which is a mandatory visa requirement for those travelling for Hajj and Umrah is provided.

Our pharmacists can administer meningococcal A, C, W135, Y vaccine to persons 12 years and over.

Newmans Pharmacy can provide a free certificate of proof of vaccination which complies with the Saudi Government regulations.

It is a visa requirement for Saudi Arabia to have ACWY vaccination for those people intending to perform Hajj or Umrah in the 3 years before entering the country and at least 10 days before travel.

No prescription for the vaccine is required. Vaccination is NOT normally available through the NHS. Most people needing ACWY vaccine have to pay for it as a private service. This is a service for which recipients pay a fee to the pharmacy.

Visitors to Saudi Arabia, and countries south of the Sahara in Africa, are sometimes at risk from the A, W and Y strain of meningitis. Travellers who have close contact with local people are more at risk. People may pick up the infection and bring it back to the UK. Travellers in these areas are at risk of contracting meningitis infection which they may carry back to the UK.

A single ACWY vaccine injection reduces the risk of infection.

On your return from a malaria area, continue taking the anti- malarial medication as advised to ensure you have cover, and if you experience any high fever in the next two years, go and see your doctor and mention you have travelled to malarial areas.

Further malaria information

• Malaria is a serious tropical disease spread by mosquitoes.
• Travel health - malaria
• Going to Hajj or Umrah?