Doha: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has announced the health requirements for Hajj vaccinations for the 1446 AH (2025) season, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims to the Holy Mosque and visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque. These measures are designed to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals safely while minimizing the risks of infectious diseases and their complications.
According to Qatar News Agency, the MoPH clarified that the required vaccines for this year include the mandatory meningococcal (quadrivalent ACYW-135) vaccine for all pilgrims. The COVID-19 vaccine is compulsory for those at higher risk, such as pilgrims over 65 years of age, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions including chronic heart or respiratory diseases, chronic kidney failure, hereditary blood disorders, congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, and chronic neurological diseases.
The ministry also recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for all individuals aged 18 and above and advises all pilgrims to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine. It highlighted that vaccination or immunization against COVID-19 is demonstrated by the individual having received at least one of the following: a single dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccines for the 2024-2025 season, completion of the primary doses between 2021 and 2023, or recovery from a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection during 2024.
In addition, MoPH recommends that all pilgrims receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Additional optional vaccines are available to protect the elderly and those most at risk, such as the pneumococcal vaccine for individuals aged 65 and over, and those aged 18 to 64 with chronic diseases or risk factors. The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine is also recommended for those aged 60 and above.
The ministry affirmed that all Hajj vaccines are available at primary healthcare centers throughout the country, emphasizing the importance of receiving the required vaccinations at least 10 days prior to traveling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Director of Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control Department, Dr. Hamad Eid Al Rumaihi, stated that Qatari pilgrims are urged to adhere to preventive measures and obtain the required vaccines to reduce the risk of infectious diseases transmitted through direct contact or contaminated surfaces.
Dr. Al Rumaihi further encouraged those with chronic illnesses to consult their doctor well in advance of travel and ensure they have sufficient medication for the entire trip. The Ministry of Public Health is committed to taking all necessary measures to protect the health and safety of Qatari pilgrims, in line with the National Health Strategy 2024-2030, which prioritizes proactive disease prevention, including the uptake of required vaccines.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), MoPH has issued the Pilgrim’s Health Guide, which includes essential health, preventive, and educational instructions to be followed before, during, and after performing Hajj rituals. For further inquiries, the unified health sector call center can be reached at 16000, or through accessing the Hajj Health Guide by visiting the Ministry of Public Health’s website.