What is the MCB Travel Pharmacy Network?
A meningococcal (ACWY) vaccination is a mandatory visa requirement for those attending Hajj and for those performing Umrah.
We have created a network of UK travel pharmacies to help pilgrims make an informed decision about where to get vaccinated. To find your local service along with the price, use our Clinic Finder.
What's included in the service?
The service includes the following components:
- the meningococcal (ACWY) vaccine
- the administration of the vaccine by a pharmacist
- a vaccination certificate
What is the cost?
Search for pharmacies near you by entering your postcode into our Clinic Finder. The rates will vary from pharmacy to pharmacy but the price will be displayed along with the address and contact details. Sometimes, special discounted rates will be on offer for pilgrims.
Where to get vaccinated
To find out where you can get vaccinated, simply enter your postcode below.
What do I need to do now?
Book an appointment now for your meningococcal (ACWY) vaccination at your nearest travel pharmacy vaccination clinic. You will have a choice of venues but please ensure you book your appointment as soon as possible in order to secure your venue of choice. Many pharmacies offer a same day walk-in service.
General health advice
Visits to the sacred sites involve physical exertion, exposure to extreme heat and potential for contracting infection. Good preparation requires mental and physical fitness before, during and after pilgrimage.
Before you go away Everything you need to know about preparing for your trip
Before you go away
- Insurance Always travel with a reputable travel agent and secure comprehensive travel insurance. Declare pre-existing medical conditions to ensure you will be covered if you need medical attention while you are away.
- Improve your fitness Before travel, try to optimise fitness by gradually increasing the distances walked, as a form of exercise.
- Pre-existing Medical Conditions Pilgrims should seek advice from their GP or pharmacist and have a good supply of medications for the trip.
Those with chronic conditions are advised to maintain a routine during travel with plenty of rest, sleep and maintain a good diet. People with diabetes should ensure blood sugars are within limits and a check up should be completed prior to travel.
- Women’s Health Women wishing to delay menstruation during travel should discuss this with their GP.
- Footwear Take comfortable sturdy footwear which has been “worn in” prior to travel. This is particularly important for people with diabetes.
- Malaria Malaria Prophylaxis is not necessary for Hajj and Umrah – however those travelling to other countries to visit friends and relatives after/before pilgrimage should discuss travel plans with their pharmacist, GP or travel nurse.
- Vaccination It is a mandatory visa entry requirement that all pilgrims are vaccinated against meningitis (ACWY), for both Hajj and Umrah. It is important to visit a pharmacist, GP or travel nurse at least 6-8 weeks before travel.
- Prepare a first aid kit Consider taking the following in your personal first aid kit:
- Supplies of your regular medications with a printout from your GP of medications and medical conditions
- Appropriately fitting in-flight stockings
- Oral rehydration sachets and diarrhoea relief medication
- Antiseptic cream with plasters and blister treatment kit
- Oral painkillers (e.g. Paracetamol)
- Topical painkillers (cream or gel)
- Insect repellent
- Throat lozenges for sore throats
- Antihistamine medication for allergy or bites
- Sun cream, ‘after sun cream’ and a good moisturiser
- If you wear glasses, consider a spare pair along with sun glasses
- Foot cream and petroleum jelly to prevent skin irritation while walking
- Antibacterial hand wipes/gel
- If you smoke, consider Nicotine Replacement Therapy (patches or gum)
While you are away Helpful tips on staying healthy and what to avoid
While you are away
Mass gatherings hold their own health risks including the danger of stampedes. To reduce such risks ensure you follow instructions when moving in large groups from one place to another.
- Emergency Be aware of your surroundings and in an emergency call 997.
- Protect yourself from the sun Daytime temperatures can reach as high as 45oC (113oF). The use of a high factor sunscreen is essential in preventing sunburn. Also drinking at least 2 litres of water each day will help prevent dehydration. If you get diarrhoea, using rehydration sachets will help prevent vital fluid loss. Use ZamZam or bottled water for drinking and bottled water for brushing your teeth.
- Good hygiene Infection is spread quickly in places where many people are living together – regular hand washing or use of antibacterial wipes and hand gels can help prevent the spread of such infection.
- Insects The use of a good quality insect repellent will help prevent bites from insects and ticks, which can be a problem at Hajj or Umrah.
- Other helpful tips
- It is important to avoid unlicensed roadside barbers which carry the risk of Hepatitis B/C and HIV from contaminated razors.
- All pilgrims should be advised to keep personal and accommodation ID with them at all times. It is a good idea to wear a name badge which includes your accommodation details, UK contacts, etc.
- Should you become ill, there are a number of free hospitals provided by the Ministry of Hajj at various places, where you can seek medical assistance should you need to.
Returning home Unusual symptoms to look out for after your trip
Returning home
On your return from Hajj or Umrah, visit your pharmacist, GP or practice nurse if you experience:
• Persistent/productive cough lasting more than 3 weeks
• Fever or night sweats
• Diarrhoea or blood in your stools
• Vomiting
• Jaundice (yellow eyes or skin)
Useful Contact Information Where to get help
Useful Contact Information
British Consulate
Tel: +966(0)2 622 5550
British Hajj Consulate delegation
Elaf Al Khalil Hotel, Ibrahim
Al Khaleel Street, Al Misfalah (Behind the Hilton Towers)
Tel: +966(0)2 573 2555
National Travel Health and Network Centre
www.nathnac.org
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
www.fco.gov.uk
The Muslim Council of Britain providing vaccination for the Muslim community in association with Escripts Marketing Ltd