Updates to vaccination requirements for Haj pilgrims from Singapore

1.              The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) have updated the vaccination requirements for pilgrims of all age groups from Singapore travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Haj pilgrimage, in consultation with Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS). This is to safeguard Haj pilgrims' health throughout their journey and better protect them from infections while overseas.

Vaccination requirements for meningococcal, influenza and COVID-19

2.            Currently, meningococcal vaccination is required for Singapore pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Haj pilgrimage. All Singapore pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Haj pilgrimage in June also need to be vaccinated for influenza and COVID-19 prior to travel, in addition to meningococcal vaccination. Pilgrims are to ensure that: 

• Meningococcal vaccination: Pilgrims must complete their meningococcal vaccination at least 10 days before departure and provide proof of vaccination. 

• COVID-19 vaccination: Pilgrims must show proof of either a single dose of the updated vaccine for the 2024-2025 season, completion of primary vaccination series, or laboratory-confirmed recovery from a COVID-19 infection during the year 2024. 

• Influenza vaccination: Pilgrims must receive their influenza vaccination within 12 months before their travel date and provide proof of vaccination.

3.               MUIS has earlier communicated the updated vaccination requirements to pilgrims through Haj collaterals, so that pilgrims have time to arrange their vaccinations.

4.               In addition to the meningococcal, COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, MOH and CDA recommend that pilgrims ensure they are up to date with other nationally recommended vaccinations listed in the National Adult Immunisation Schedule and National Childhood Immunisation Schedule. For example, elderly and medically vulnerable pilgrims should take the pneumococcal vaccine prior to their trip. Pilgrims should also be aware of the health situation and entry requirements in Saudi Arabia. For more information about nationally recommended vaccinations and available subsidies, please click here.

5.               Pilgrims from Singapore who intend to travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah pilgrimages should adopt the same recommendations for better protection.

Planning for a safe pilgrimage

6.               Prospective pilgrims should consult their healthcare provider four to six weeks prior to travel for a travel health risk assessment including advice on required or recommended vaccinations and preventive medications (prophylaxis), before purchasing a Haj package from a MUIS-appointed travel agent. Thereafter, pilgrims are advised to coordinate with their preferred healthcare provider on obtaining the necessary vaccinations, checking the vaccine availability at clinics, and receiving any other recommended preventive medications.

7.               Pilgrims are recommended to carry both physical vaccination certificates and digital vaccination records via the HealthHub app for border checks in Saudi Arabia.

8.               Please refer to the updated health advisory for Haj pilgrims here.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AGENCY