Message from CDC to anyone planning on umrah
Mass gatherings, such as Hajj or Umrah, can increase the risk for diseases such as meningococcal
disease, COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, which can be prevented with vaccines. Earlier this year, unvaccinated Umrah travelers from multiple countries, including the USA, got sick with meningococcal meningitis (commonly known as brain fever). Meningitis is a serious condition, and the bacteria can spread to people who have had close or lengthy contact with a patient
Required: All travelers one year of age or older arriving for Umrah pilgrimage must show proof (when requested) they have received a guadrivalent (MenACWY) meningococcal vaccine in the last 3-5 years.
Recommended: All travelers 12 years of age and older should receive a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine and a seasonal flu vaccine.
