The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has issued its official list of Hajj vaccination requirements for the 1446 AH (2025) pilgrimage season. They emphasize the importance of disease prevention. This is especially important as thousands of Qatar-based pilgrims prepare to travel to Saudi Arabia.
In line with its public health strategy, the MoPH confirmed that the meningococcal (ACYW-135) vaccine remains mandatory for all pilgrims. This core component of the Hajj vaccination requirements is essential to protect against meningitis, a potentially deadly infection. It can spread rapidly in crowded environments.
For high-risk individuals, including those over 65, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses such as heart, respiratory, or kidney diseases, the COVID-19 vaccine is also mandatory. The ministry accepts three forms of proof.
These are a single dose of an updated 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine, completion of the original two-dose series from 2021–2023, or recovery from a confirmed COVID-19 infection in 2024.
Beyond the mandatory doses, the MoPH encourages all pilgrims aged 18 and older to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine. It also recommends the pneumococcal vaccine for those aged 65 and above, as well as adults with underlying health conditions. The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine is also advised for those aged 60 and older.
To meet the Hajj vaccination requirements, pilgrims must complete their immunizations at least 10 days before departure. Vaccines are available at primary healthcare centres across the country.
Dr. Hamad Eid Al-Rumaihi, Director of the Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control Department, urged all Qatari pilgrims to comply with the Hajj vaccination requirements. He also advised them to avoid overcrowded areas where disease transmission is heightened. “We advise everyone with chronic conditions to consult their doctor ahead of time and ensure they bring adequate medication,” he said.
As part of a broader awareness effort, the MoPH, in collaboration with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and the Qatar Red Crescent, has also released the Pilgrim’s Health Guide. This guide offers key advice on health, hygiene, and disease prevention. It can be useful before, during, and after the pilgrimage.
By reinforcing the Hajj vaccination requirements, the MoPH continues to align its disease prevention efforts with Qatar’s National Health Strategy 2024–2030. This strategy aims to safeguard public health. It also seeks to reduce the spread of infectious diseases during this major religious gathering.
