Health Ministry Announces Vaccination Guidelines for Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims

The Ministry of Health has issued new vaccination guidelines for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to prevent the spread of infectious diseases among millions of travellers upon their return.

The regulations apply to all individuals undertaking the pilgrimage, whether as part of a group or independently, as well as auxiliary personnel assisting pilgrims. 

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• The mandatory vaccines include the meningococcal (ACYW) conjugate vaccine for those over nine months of age, valid for five years.
• The influenza vaccine for those over six months is valid for one year. 
• The oral polio vaccine (OPV) is required for individuals who have not completed three doses or lack documentation confirming completion.

Authorities have emphasised the importance of completing vaccinations at least 14 days before departure to ensure adequate protection. If a vaccine’s validity expires before travel or during the pilgrimage, individuals must receive a new dose before departure. Those who completed three doses of the polio vaccine in childhood or later are exempt, while others must receive one dose before travelling.

Individuals unable to receive vaccines due to medical conditions must obtain a Vaccine Exemption Certificate. This can be acquired by submitting medical documents to a public health unit in atoll health centres, Dhamana Veshi in Malé, or the Public Health Unit of Hulhumalé Hospital. Alternatively, applications can be submitted via email to vaccine@hpa.gov.mv to the National Immunisation Programme. Pregnant individuals or those with contraindications to OPV may receive the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) upon evaluation.

In addition to the required vaccines, authorities recommend ensuring children under 18 have completed all age-appropriate immunisations. Chickenpox vaccination is advised for those who have never had the disease or have not been immunised. COVID-19 vaccination is also recommended, particularly for those with underlying health conditions.

Pilgrims are urged to keep their International Certificate of Vaccination, proof of immunisation, throughout their journey. Those vaccinated abroad but travelling with Maldivian groups must also ensure their records are documented on the certificate.

The vaccination standards are based on disease prevalence and the risk of transmission in Maldives. Authorities have stated that the guidelines may be updated in response to developments in vaccine research and changes in disease patterns, with any revisions to be publicly announced.