Hajj and Umrah vaccinations in London — Saudi-compliant
If you're preparing for Hajj or Umrah, Saudi Arabia has specific vaccination requirements that must be met before entry. We're a London pharmacist-led travel clinic that provides the mandatory Meningitis ACWY certificate, polio boosters for travellers from polio-affected countries, and other recommended pilgrimage vaccinations.
City Of London Clinic operates from Barbican Pharmacy & Clinic on Goswell Road. Every appointment is led by Asad Repon, a GPhC-registered Independent Prescriber. We see a heavy Hajj/Umrah flow from East London's Muslim communities, particularly via the Elizabeth Line from Whitechapel and Stratford.
Meningitis ACWY — the mandatory requirement
Saudi Arabia requires all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to have a valid Meningitis ACWY vaccination certificate. The certificate must be issued:
- At least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia (so it's fully valid by entry)
- No more than 3 years before arrival (so it hasn't expired)
We use Menveo or Nimenrix — both are accepted by Saudi authorities and provide protection against the four most common meningococcal serogroups (A, C, W, Y). Single dose, certificate issued on the day of vaccination.
Polio — required for some travellers
Polio vaccination is required for pilgrims arriving from countries with ongoing polio transmission. This currently includes Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and several other African countries. If you've been in one of these countries in the year before your Hajj/Umrah trip, you'll need a polio booster and the certificate to enter Saudi Arabia. We check this at the consultation.
Seasonal flu and Covid-19
Saudi authorities recommend (and often require) seasonal flu vaccination for all pilgrims, particularly during winter Hajj season when respiratory illness spreads rapidly in mass gatherings. Covid-19 vaccination requirements have varied year-to-year; we re-check Saudi's current entry rules at the time of your consultation.
Other recommended vaccinations
The mass-gathering and food/water hygiene risks of pilgrimage warrant some additional recommendations:
- Hepatitis A — food/water hygiene risks in mass gathering.
- Typhoid — similar reasoning.
- Hepatitis B — for longer stays or any planned medical/dental treatment in Saudi.
None of these are strictly required, but we discuss them based on your travel plans.
Family appointments
Families travelling for Hajj or Umrah together (parents, children, sometimes grandparents) can be vaccinated in back-to-back appointments. Children's records are reviewed against the UK childhood immunisation schedule first. Meningitis ACWY is suitable from a young age. For families combining Hajj with onward travel to India or Pakistan for family visits, we can plan the full multi-destination vaccination schedule in one consultation.
Timing your booking
Book 3-4 weeks before your departure date. The Meningitis ACWY certificate must be issued at least 10 days before Saudi entry. Same-day appointments are routinely available if you've left it later.
How to book
Call 020 7253 9691 or visit cityoflondonclinic.co.uk/booking. We're at 36 Goswell Rd., Golden Lane Estate, London EC1M 7AA — 4 minutes from Barbican station, 5-10 minutes from East London via Elizabeth Line.
