Tuesday, May 28, 2024 The annual Hajj pilgrimage, anticipated to attract over 1.8 million participants, is scheduled to occur in Saudi Arabia from June 14 to 19, 2024. Given the massive scale of this event, it is crucial to prioritize preventive health and safety measures.

Recent cases of meningococcal disease among travelers returning from Saudi Arabia underscore the need for strict adherence to safety protocols. International SOS, a leading global provider of health and security services, advises organizations with staff participating in the Hajj to educate their employees on necessary precautions for a secure and fulfilling spiritual experience. In line with the latest regulations from Saudi Arabian authorities, International SOS has crafted a detailed set of guidelines aimed at safeguarding the health, security, and wellbeing of pilgrims.

These guidelines include essential pre-travel preparations and introduce several new requirements. They cover the mandatory official permit and vaccination protocols, strategies for coping with heat, and emphasize the importance of vigilance and environmental awareness to prevent accidents during crowd surges. Dr Nosa Aihie, Regional Medical Director, Middle East, at International SOS, said: “It is important for pilgrims to adhere to vaccination requirements listed by the government of Saudi Arabia to protect themselves and their peers from various infectious diseases.

This includes the required vaccination against meningitis administe.