Umrah and Hajj vaccine appointments near Treorchy
Travelling from South Wales for Umrah or Hajj? Bute Clinic by Treherbert Pharmacy provides private MenACWY vaccination, certificate support and personalised travel-health advice for pilgrims.
A valid meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate is required for Hajj and Umrah. The vaccine must be given at least 10 days before arrival, so it is important to arrange your appointment early.
Book an Umrah or Hajj vaccine consultation
Appointments take place at Bute Clinic, above Treherbert Pharmacy. You can also call 01443 776133 or use the general booking page. Vaccination is subject to assessment and stock availability.
Which vaccine is required for Umrah and Hajj?
Pilgrims need a valid certificate showing vaccination against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y. This is commonly called the MenACWY vaccine, the Umrah vaccine or the Hajj vaccine.
- Minimum age: the private service is available from 2 years of age, subject to clinical suitability.
- Timing: the certificate only becomes valid once at least 10 days have passed after vaccination.
- Certificate: the vaccination record must clearly identify the patient, vaccine, date, batch and administering clinic.
- Assessment: previous vaccination, health conditions, pregnancy, medicines and allergies must be reviewed before vaccination.
Saudi entry and health rules can change. We check current official guidance as part of the consultation, but you should also review the latest GOV.UK pilgrimage advice and TravelHealthPro Saudi Arabia guidance before travel.
Why is MenACWY required for pilgrimage?
Hajj and Umrah bring together large numbers of people from many countries. Crowded accommodation, shared transport and close contact make respiratory infections easier to spread.
Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis and septicaemia and may develop rapidly. MenACWY vaccination protects against four important groups of meningococcal bacteria, but it does not prevent every type of meningitis.
Seek urgent medical help for symptoms such as a severe headache, stiff neck, unusual drowsiness, confusion, a non-blanching rash or rapidly worsening illness.
How long is an Umrah vaccine certificate valid?
For a MenACWY conjugate vaccine, current Saudi requirements generally recognise the certificate for up to five years. The vaccine must also have been administered at least 10 days before arrival.
| Certificate point | What to check |
|---|---|
| Start of validity | At least 10 days after vaccination |
| Conjugate vaccine validity | Generally up to 5 years under current requirements |
| Vaccine identification | The certificate should clearly state the vaccine and vaccination date |
| Before relying on an old certificate | Have the record checked against current Saudi rules and your travel dates |
Do not assume an older certificate remains acceptable. Entry rules and documentary requirements can change.
When should you book the Umrah vaccine?
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Book as soon as your travel dates are known
Official advice recommends checking travel-health needs well before departure. Early booking also allows time to obtain previous records and order vaccines if necessary.
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Allow more than the minimum 10 days
Ten days is the certificate-validity threshold, not an ideal booking target. Leaving additional time reduces the risk of travel disruption if an appointment must be rearranged.
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Still contact us if departure is close
A late appointment may still be useful, but vaccination cannot make the certificate valid sooner than the official waiting period.
What happens at the appointment?
- Travel review: we confirm your travel dates, route, pilgrimage plans and any other destinations.
- Clinical assessment: we review age, health conditions, medicines, allergies, pregnancy, immune status and previous vaccine reactions.
- Vaccine-history check: bring your existing MenACWY certificate or immunisation record if you have one.
- Vaccination and certificate: where suitable and available, the vaccine can usually be administered and documented during the appointment.
The consultation is free. The MenACWY vaccination costs £55, including appropriate certification where supplied through the clinic.
Tell us before vaccination
MenACWY vaccination is not automatically suitable for everyone. Give the clinician complete information, even if you have received the same type of vaccine before.
- A previous severe allergic reaction to a meningitis vaccine or vaccine ingredient.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding or the possibility of pregnancy.
- A bleeding disorder, anticoagulant treatment or a problem after previous injections.
- Immune suppression, cancer treatment, biological medicines or high-dose steroids.
- A high temperature or significant acute illness on the day of the appointment.
- A meningitis C or combined Hib/MenC vaccine within the previous four weeks.
Common short-term effects can include pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache, tiredness, muscle aches or fever. Seek medical advice for a severe or unexpected reaction.
Other health preparation for Hajj and Umrah
The pilgrimage health assessment should not stop at one certificate. Other recommendations depend on your age, medical history, countries visited before Saudi Arabia and current official rules.
- Routine vaccinations: check that protection such as MMR, tetanus, diphtheria and polio is up to date.
- Respiratory infections: seasonal flu and COVID vaccination may be relevant, particularly for older people or those with health conditions.
- Country-specific certificates: yellow fever or polio requirements may apply to travellers arriving from or transiting through specified countries.
- Regular medicines: carry enough for the whole trip and possible delays, with supporting documents where needed.
- Heat and exertion: plan hydration, sun protection, foot care, rest and management of long-term conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Is vaccination required for Umrah?
Yes. Current UK travel advice states that pilgrims must hold a valid certificate of vaccination against meningococcal ACWY at least 10 days before arrival for Umrah or Hajj.
What is the Umrah vaccine called?
It is the quadrivalent meningococcal ACWY vaccine, usually shortened to MenACWY. It protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y.
How many days before Umrah should I have the vaccine?
The vaccine must be given at least 10 days before arrival for the certificate to be valid. Booking several weeks earlier is safer and allows time for wider travel-health planning.
How long does the Umrah vaccine last?
A conjugate MenACWY certificate is generally valid for up to five years under current Saudi requirements, provided the vaccine is clearly identified. Have an older certificate checked before relying on it.
How much is the Umrah vaccine?
The MenACWY vaccination at Bute Clinic costs £55 per dose, including suitable certification where the vaccine is supplied through the clinic. The initial travel consultation is free.
Can children receive the Hajj or Umrah vaccine?
The private PGD permits MenACWY vaccination from over 2 years of age, subject to assessment and valid consent from a parent or person with parental responsibility.
Can I use a certificate from a previous pilgrimage?
Possibly. Bring the original record so the vaccine type, date and certificate details can be checked against the current entry requirements.
Book your Umrah or Hajj vaccine appointment
Arrange a free travel consultation at Bute Clinic for MenACWY vaccination, certificate support and personalised pilgrimage health advice. Vaccination remains subject to clinical suitability and availability.
Book an Umrah or Hajj travel consultation
You can also call 01443 776133.
Areas served
Bute Clinic welcomes private travel-health patients from Treherbert, Treorchy and surrounding South Wales communities.
- Treherbert
- Treorchy
- Cwmparc
- Ton Pentre
- Ystrad Rhonnda
- Llwynypia
- Tonypandy
- Trealaw
- Porth
- Rhigos
- Hirwaun
- Aberdare
- Blaencwm
- Blaenrhondda
- Merthyr Tydfil
Related services and guidance
- Travel ClinicTravel vaccines, malaria prevention and personalised destination advice.
- Private vaccination clinicPrivate meningitis and other planned vaccination appointments.
- Flu vaccinationSeasonal respiratory protection before travel where appropriate.
- Private COVID vaccinationPrivate COVID vaccination following an individual suitability assessment.