Services for pilgrims to the Hajj
The Travel Doctor-TMVC has many years of experience with assisting Australian pilgrims safely attend the Hajj. Each year, many Australian Muslims will wish to attend and participate in this religious event, one of the biggest in the world.
Some medical preparation for the Hajj is compulsory and required by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health. Certification of vaccination is required, and The Travel Doctor-TMVC can provide all the correct requirements.
Current Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia official requirements:
Before you go
Planning
Some careful planning can make this pilgrimage much safer and more enjoyable for the participants. The Hajj is categorised by extremely large numbers of people, sometimes extreme heat, and in recent years, the Saudi authorities have made great improvements for the safety and comfort of pilgrims.
Health concerns can be considered as problems due to non-communicable cause, as well as some communicable diseases:
Non communicable:
- Many older people go to the Hajj, some of who have underlying heart or other chronic disease, which may or may not be recognised. Because the Hajj can be very stressful, heart-attacks are common, so stabilising any heart trouble before going is important..
- Stampede. There have been many deaths in recent years due to stampeding crowds, and the Government of Saudi Arabia has made good progress in helping avoid this problem.
- Motor-vehicle accidents and fires have claimed lives too.
- Heat stress is very common, in some years the Hajj will fall in high summer, and dehydration and heat exhaustion are common.
Communicable diseases of concern are:
- Gastroenteritis
- Respiratory infections including influenza, whooping cough and TB
- Hepatitis A, B, C have all been spread at the Hajj.
- Meningococcal disease has occurred in the past in large outbreaks, and has been transferred to home countries from returning travellers. This is why the vaccine against this disease is compulsory now.
Getting Prepared
- Pilgrims should consider going on the Hajj before they get too old, and get medical conditions that make the travel more difficult, or have difficulty with mobility.
- It helps to be fit, and it may be wise to do some training, like regular walking, before going.
- Have a medical and dental check-up before going, and ensure that any pre-existing medical conditions are optimally controlled. The Travel Doctor-TMVC can help provide appropriate assessment and referral.
- Photocopy all documents, health records and carry extra copy, and keep a copy at home.
- Take out travel insurance
- Take a warm blanket, as the air-conditioned tents are often cold.
- Ensure you have comfortable footwear, there is a lot of walking to do. If blisters are possible, take suitable dressings.
- Take first-aid supplies, including footcare, sunblock, repellent.
- Prevent menstruation
- Get a Travel Doctor-TMVC Medical kit for managing gastro symptoms
Vaccinations
Compulsory: Meningococcal
Recommended: The Travel Doctor-TMVC suggests travellers to be in date with
- tetanus/diphtheria/whooping cough,
- polio,
- hepatitis A,
- influenza
- others may be necessary depending on age or medical conditions
While away
To make the stay more comfortable, the following tips should be considered:
- Avoid very crowded times/areas. Seek out shady places
- Drink plenty of fluids, consider taking oral rehydration solution (ORS)
- Wear sunscreen (unfragranced), and consider a white sun-umbrella
- Consider wearing a face mask
- Wash hands frequently/alcohol hand wash
- Put footwear in bag while praying
- Have any animal slaughter done by professionals
- Only use licenced barber
- Seek medical help early if you are unwell
Return
Seek medical help early, consult your nearest Travel Doctor-TMVC clinic if you have any concerns
