Hajj and Umrah Vaccination Singapore - What You Need to Know
Going on Hajj or Umrah is a deeply meaningful journey but if you’re a pilgrim from Singapore, it also means planning for your health. Each year, millions of people from around the world gather in Saudi Arabia for these pilgrimages. In such large crowds, contagious diseases can spread easily, so the Saudi authorities (and Singapore’s Ministry of Health) have strict vaccination guidelines to keep everyone safe. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself against these risks. In fact, Singapore’s Ministry of Health explicitly advises that pilgrims going for Umrah follow the same vaccine guidelines as those going for Hajj. In this article we cover each required and recommended vaccine and explain how to arrange them in Singapore.
It can be confusing to figure out exactly which shots are needed. The Saudi government requires that pilgrims receive three specific vaccines before travel: the meningococcal ACWY vaccine, the seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine, and the COVID-19 vaccine. By getting the right vaccinations in Singapore before you travel, you’ll protect your health and gain peace of mind for your pilgrimage.
Mandatory Vaccinations for Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims
When it comes to mandatory vaccines, the Saudi government and health authorities worldwide leave no room for doubt – certain shots are required for every Hajj or Umrah pilgrim to prevent outbreaks. In fact, as of 2024/2025, Saudi Arabia requires proof of three key vaccinations for pilgrims applying for Hajj or Umrah visas. Singapore’s Ministry of Health also advises all Umrah/Hajj travelers to follow the same guidelines as Hajj pilgrims to stay safe. Below are the must-have vaccines and what you should know about each:
Meningococcal ACWY: This vaccine protects against four strains of Neisseria meningitidis (groups A, C, W, Y) that can cause life-threatening meningitis outbreaks in crowded conditions. An outbreak of meningococcal disease during a past Hajj led Saudi Arabia to make this vaccine compulsory for all pilgrims. You must show proof of a quadrivalent meningococcal vaccination when applying for your visa. The shot needs to be taken at least 10 days before you arrive in Saudi Arabia, and the certificate is valid for up to 5 years if it’s the conjugate vaccine (or 3 years for the older polysaccharide type). Even if you feel healthy, you could carry meningococcal bacteria without symptoms; the vaccine ensures you won’t unknowingly spread it or fall ill yourself. At Alami Clinic, we offer the meningococcal ACWY vaccine – you can even bundle it with a flu shot for S$148 to save on cost. Make sure to get an official vaccination certificate; Saudi border control will check this before allowing entry.
Influenza (Flu): The seasonal Influenza flu shot is strongly recommended for all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, and in practice Singapore treats it as a de facto requirement for those traveling to Saudi Arabia. Large pilgrimages have seen influenza outbreaks, and the flu can be more severe than just a fever and cough – it sometimes leads to pneumonia or hospitalization, especially in older adults. The U.S. CDC and Saudi Ministry of Health urge all pilgrims to be vaccinated against the current season’s flu before arrival. You should get the flu jab ideally within the same flu season (within 3–6 months of your trip) so that it’s up-to-date. Getting it 2–4 weeks before travel allows immunity to develop fully. In Singapore, the flu vaccine is readily available and even subsidized for many residents. At Alami Clinic, we often administer the flu shot alongside the required meningitis vaccine in one visit. Remember to carry your flu vaccination proof as well – some travel agencies or groups may ask for it during visa processing, and it’s simply a smart move health-wise.
COVID-19: In the COVID-19 era, Saudi Arabia introduced requirements to ensure pilgrims are protected. Current Hajj/Umrah travel rules in 2024–2025 require pilgrims to be vaccinated against COVID-19. In practical terms, this means you should have at least one dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine for the current season or have completed a full primary vaccination series recently (If you caught COVID and recovered in the past year, that may also count as proof of immunity, , but most travelers will still top up with a booster for safety.) Saudi authorities accept all the major vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, J&J, etc.), and you’ll typically need to show a COVID vaccination certificate when applying for your visa. Good news for Singaporeans: booster shots are free for eligible residents under our national program, and are widely available. So there’s little excuse not to be up-to-date. Even if you’ve had two doses back in 2021–2022, consider taking an updated booster in 2025 before you go – it will refresh your immunity against newer variants. Plan to get the COVID shot at least 2 weeks before travel (so it has time to take effect). As with the other vaccines, bring along your COVID-19 vaccination certificate (digital or hard copy). It’s a requirement for the visa and helps protect the entire pilgrim community.
For most Singapore pilgrims, the three above are the main ones required. However, there are two special cases:
Polio vaccine: If you are coming directly from Singapore, you do not need a polio vaccination certificate (Singapore is polio-free). But pilgrims arriving from countries where polio is circulating (for example, parts of Africa or South Asia) must show proof of polio immunization within 6 weeks before departure. This probably won’t apply to you unless you’ve been living or traveling in an affected region prior to Umrah/Hajj. (If it does apply, you’d get an IPV booster shot.) Saudi Arabia even gives an extra oral polio dose to at-risk travelers at the airport as a precaution. Again, this is mostly a concern for certain countries, not Singapore.This doesn’t concern people flying straight from Singapore (Yellow Fever risk zones are mainly in Africa and Latin America). Singapore is not on the Yellow Fever list, so Singaporean pilgrims don’t require this.
Before you travel, make sure you have documentation for all your required vaccines. Ideally, get your doctor or clinic to print out an official vaccination record for Meningococcal, COVID-19, and Influenza (and any other shots you take) – and carry both physical copies and digital copies if possible. Saudi authorities or your visa agent may ask to see proof at various points, and it’s better to be over-prepared than stuck at immigration. In summary, these three vaccines (meningitis, flu, and COVID) are the core requirements for Hajj and Umrah.
Special Cases: Children and Pregnancy
If you’re planning to perform Hajj or Umrah with young children or you happen to be pregnant, you’ll need to take some extra care with vaccinations (and general health planning). Here’s what doctors recommend:
Traveling with Children: Saudi Arabia’s vaccine rules apply to children as well, with some age adjustments. The meningococcal ACWY vaccine is officially required for kids 1 year old and above. In practice, most infants under 1 won’t be brought on Umrah or Hajj due to the difficulty, but if you have a toddler, discuss vaccination with a pediatrician. For children over 2 years, it’s advisable they get the same mandatory vaccines (meningococcal and flu) as adults, provided they’re old enough and the vaccines are licensed for their age. The flu shot is approved for ages 6 months and up, so children in that range should get it before travel (especially because kids can easily spread flu in crowded dorms). COVID-19 vaccines in Singapore are available for children 6 months and older; while not “required” for a child’s entry, having eligible kids vaccinated for COVID is certainly recommended for their safety. Infants and very young children (<2 years) typically do not get the meningococcal or many travel vaccines, so if you must travel with a baby, be aware they could be vulnerable – you’ll need to be extra cautious with hygiene and avoid exposing them to sick contacts. Always consult a pediatrician about what’s safe and necessary for your child based on age. Also ensure the child’s routine immunizations are fully up to date before the trip.
Traveling while Pregnant: Pregnancy requires special consideration. It’s strongly recommended to get personalized medical advice before undertaking Hajj or Umrah if you’re pregnant, because certain vaccines and medications have to be chosen carefully. In general, pregnant women can safely receive inactivated vaccines like the flu shot and the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine – and these are important, because pregnancy can increase the risk of severe illness from flu. So a pregnant pilgrim should absolutely get the flu vaccine (which is safe in all trimesters) and the meningococcal vaccine (considered safe in pregnancy, especially the conjugate type) to meet requirements and for protection. COVID-19 vaccination is also recommended for pregnant women if not already done, since catching COVID in pregnancy can be risky. On the other hand, live vaccines (like the MMR or chickenpox vaccine) are not given during pregnancy as a rule, so if you happen to need those, you’d do them well before pregnancy or after the baby’s born. If you are early in pregnancy, note that the Saudi Hajj regulations in some years have advised against travel in late pregnancy for safety, but generally there’s no outright ban. The key is to get clearance from your doctor, travel in your second trimester if possible (when you’re past the first trimester risks but not yet too heavy), and take it slow. Also, carry a doctor’s letter about your pregnancy and any special needs.
In all special cases – whether children or pregnancy (or even if you have a chronic illness) – the mantra is “plan early and consult your doctor.” Start the conversation well in advance of your travel date. There may be additional precautions or adjustments needed (for instance, children might need their vaccinations split into multiple appointments if they’re scared of needles, or a pregnant woman might need compression socks and extra hydration plans). The earlier you plan, the smoother it will be.
Quick Reference: Required Vaccines for Hajj/Umrah
To summarize the entry requirements, here’s a quick reference table of mandatory vaccinations for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and what to know about each:
| Vaccine | Requirement (Saudi Arabia) | Timing Before Travel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meningococcal ACWY | Required for all pilgrims ≥1 year old (certificate needed for visa). | 1 dose ≥10 days before arrival in KSA. Valid for 5 years (conjugate vaccine) or 3 years (polysaccharide). | Protects against meningitis (A,C,W,Y). Saudi mandates due to past Hajj outbreaks. Available at Alami Clinic; Flu bundle for S$148. |
| Influenza (Flu) | Strongly recommended for all pilgrims (treated as required by SG guidelines). | 1 dose of current seasonal flu vaccine, ideally 2–4 weeks before departure. | Protects against seasonal flu, which can spread rapidly in crowds. Subsidies available in SG. Carry proof of vaccination. |
| COVID-19 | Required for visa – must show proof of vaccination (at least 1 booster or full primary series). | Complete an updated booster or full course ≥2 weeks before travel. | Protects against COVID-19. Saudi accepts proof of a recent booster or completed series. Boosters are FREE for Singaporeans at national centers. |
| Polio | Required only if coming from a country with polio transmission (not required for Singapore-origin pilgrims). | If required: 1 dose IPV, ideally 4–6 weeks pre-travel (and carry an international certificate). | Not needed for those traveling from Singapore (polio-free country). |
| Yellow Fever | Required only if coming from a Yellow Fever endemic country. | If required: 1 dose at least 10 days before entry. Certificate valid for life. | Not needed unless you have recently been in Africa/Latin America risk zones. |
As a Singaporean pilgrim, you’ll almost certainly only need to worry about Meningococcal, Flu, and COVID-19 as compulsory jabs for Hajj or Umrah.
Travel Health Tips (Beyond Vaccines)
Don’t stop at vaccines – your personal health habits also make a difference. The Ministry of Health advises pilgrims with any major medical conditions (diabetes, heart disease, kidney issues, etc.) to talk to a doctor before traveling. If you have a heart or lung condition, make sure it’s well-managed and you have enough of your regular medications. Stay well-hydrated and get plenty of rest as your travel date approaches. Saudi Arabia can be very hot. Make sure to drink plenty of water and wear a hat.
Once you arrive, practice good hygiene: wash or sanities your hands frequently (especially before meals) and avoid touching your face. Eat only food that is fully cooked, and drink sealed bottled water. Do not consume raw camel milk or undercooked meat, as these can carry bacteria or even viruses like MERS. The MOH also advises avoiding close contact with anyone who appears ill. These common-sense measures, together with your vaccines, will greatly reduce your risk of getting sick.
When to Get Vaccinated
You should complete all these vaccinations before flying to Saudi Arabia for Umrah. Ideally, arrange your travel health check-up around 4–6 weeks before departure. That allows time to get any needed follow-up doses and to let your body recover between shots. (For example, if you need two doses of the meningococcal vaccine, schedule them several weeks apart.) At Alami Clinic we can help plan your schedule so that you get multiple vaccines in one visit. Planning early also means you can space them out – for example, you might get meningitis and flu first, then a COVID booster a few weeks later. Minor side effects (like a sore arm or low-grade fever) are common and fade quickly, but build in a buffer so you’re fully ready on travel day.
Consider this sample timeline:
2–3 months before travel: Book a travel consultation. Discuss which vaccines and tests you need, and check that your routine immunizations are current.
6–8 weeks before travel: Get your first set of vaccines (for example, first dose of meningitis, the flu shot, etc.).
4–6 weeks before travel: Complete any booster doses or second shots.
1–2 weeks before travel: Double-check that you have all your vaccine certificates and that you’re healthy and ready for the trip.
Where to Get Hajj and Umrah Vaccinations in Singapore
In Singapore, you have several options for getting your travel vaccinations:
Public Polyclinics and GP Clinics: Many polyclinics and general practitioner clinics stock common vaccines (like flu, Hepatitis, tetanus, etc.), and some might stock the meningococcal ACWY vaccine as well. Polyclinics are a cost-effective choice because they can apply government subsidies (for flu, pneumococcal, etc., if you’re eligible under National Adult Immunisation Schedule). If cost is a big concern and you have subsidy eligibility (CHAS card, Pioneer/Merdeka Gen), a polyclinic can be very affordable for certain shots. However, not all GPs keep the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine readily on hand (since it’s a more niche vaccine), so you may need to call and check availability, or allow them time to order it.
Travel Clinics (Specialized Travel Medicine Centers): Travel clinics are usually private clinics that focus on vaccinations and health advice for travelers. Alami Clinic fall into this category. The advantage of a travel clinic is convenience and expertise. We stock all the relevant vaccines for Hajj/Umrah, including the less common ones, so you can get everything in one place. Our doctors are also familiar with Saudi health requirements and can issue the proper vaccination certificates on the spot (stamped and signed, ready for your visa application). At Alami, we routinely help organize Hajj and Umrah vaccination packages for individuals, families, and especially senior pilgrims, so we can streamline the process for you. We have a MenACWY + Flu bundle for S$148 for pilgrims, , which ensures you get both required shots at a good price. We also provide the official International Certificate of Vaccination for meningococcal (essential for visa) and documentation for all other shots.
Hospitals or Specialist Centers: Some people get travel vaccines at hospitals. These can certainly handle Hajj/Umrah needs too. The experience will be similar to a travel clinic, though possibly with longer wait times or higher admin fees. If you’re under specialist care, coordinate with them – they might refer you to the hospital’s vaccination unit to ensure everything is done safely under supervision.
One thing to note: whether you choose a polyclinic, GP, or travel clinic, don’t delay booking. During peak Umrah season or just before Hajj, there can be a rush of people getting vaccinated. To avoid any stock shortages or appointment crunch, schedule your vaccination visit early.
If you’re going in a group organised by a travel agency, sometimes the agency arranges for a specific clinic to vaccinate all pilgrims together, or they’ll give you a checklist of what to get. Make sure to still get it done 4-6 weeks in advance, not at the very last minute.
Alami Clinic’s Services: Alami Clinic is proud to support our community’s pilgrims. We provide a one-stop service for Hajj and Umrah preparation – you can get all the required shots in one visit, plus a travel consultation. Our team will update your health records and issue the necessary certificates immediately. We even go a step further: if you have older family members going, our clinic’s geriatric specialists can do a quick health assessment to ensure they’re fit for travel. If you have mobility issues or prefer convenience, we offer house call vaccinations – a doctor can come to your home to give the shots for an added fee (S$90 for home vaccination service). Many pilgrims find this useful for elderly parents who can’t travel to the clinic easily. Essentially, wherever you choose to get vaccinated, the goal is the same: get protected before you go.
Finally, don’t forget about documentation and proof. Wherever you get your shots, double-check that you receive an official record. For Hajj and Umrah, the critical one is the meningococcal vaccine certificate. If you do your shots at separate places, consolidate your records. Alami Clinic can also help transfer all info onto a single booklet for you if needed.
Possible Side Effects of Umrah Vaccinations
At Alami Clinic, we believe in helping you make informed decisions about your health. Most Umrah-related vaccinations, such as the meningococcal ACWY, influenza, and COVID-19 vaccines, are safe and well-tolerated. However, as with any vaccine, mild side effects may occur.
Common Side Effects (Short-Term & Mild)
You may experience:
Mild redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site
Low-grade fever
Fatigue or body aches
Mild headache
These effects typically resolve within 1–2 days and do not require medical treatment.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you notice unusual symptoms such as:
Persistent high fever
Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
Dizziness or fainting
Please contact Alami Clinic or visit the nearest medical facility.
What to Expect at Alami Clinic
Our doctors will review your medical history before any vaccination
You’ll receive personalized advice, especially if you are elderly, pregnant, or managing chronic health conditions
Aftercare instructions will be shared to help you monitor your recovery
For patients who require additional care, follow-up support is available
We make your Umrah vaccination in Singapore safe, informed, and as comfortable as possible - so you can focus on your journey with peace of mind.
After Your Trip
It’s easy to forget about health once you’re back home, but do pay attention to how you feel in the days and weeks after Umrah or Hajj. Some infections can incubate for a while before symptoms show up. For example, if you picked up a respiratory infection, you might only develop a cough or fever a week or two after returning. Monitor your health upon return. If you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms – such as high fever, prolonged cough, difficulty breathing, severe diarrhea, skin rashes, etc. – visit a doctor and be sure to mention that you’ve recently been on a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. This will alert them to consider infections that aren’t common locally.
At Alami Clinic, we offer post-travel health checks for returning pilgrims. This can be a simple consultation where we check things like: are your blood pressure and sugars okay? Any signs of chest infection? We can do blood tests or X-rays if needed to rule out concerns. It’s not mandatory to see a doctor after travel if you feel perfectly fine, but our philosophy is that it’s better to be safe – especially for older travelers. The clinic can also provide advice on easing back into normal routines, and address any health questions you have after the trip.
The Ministry of Health in Singapore also sometimes issues advisories for returning Hajj pilgrims. Keep an ear out for any news. And continue practicing good hygiene for a couple of weeks – you don’t want to inadvertently spread something you brought back.
Why Alami Clinic Can Help
Preparing for Hajj or Umrah can be overwhelming – there’s logistics, spiritual preparation, and health to think about. Alami Clinic is here to make the health part easier. We are a Singapore-based clinic with a special focus on keeping older adults and families healthy. Here’s how we can support you as you plan your pilgrimage:
One-Stop Vaccination Service: We provide all the vaccinations you’ll need for Hajj or Umrah – from the required shots (meningococcal ACWY, flu, COVID-19) to the optional ones like Hepatitis or pneumococcal vaccines. Instead of running to different places for different vaccines, you can get them in one visit with us. Our doctors will review your medical history and advise exactly what you need (no more, no less). We keep our vaccine stock updated according to the latest guidelines, so you can trust that you’re getting the current formulas (for example, the latest flu season strain, the updated COVID booster, etc.).
Experienced in Senior Care: Many Hajj pilgrims from Singapore are older adults – and as a clinic founded by geriatric specialists, we’re especially experienced in caring for seniors. Our team includes geriatricians and nurses who understand age-related needs. We take extra time to check on chronic conditions, drug interactions, and fitness for travel when vaccinating older patients. For instance, if your elderly parent wants to go for Umrah, we can do a gentle health assessment during the same appointment to ensure everything is in order (heart, lungs, mobility, etc.). We’ll also tailor vaccine advice – e.g., strongly suggesting a pneumococcal shot if not already taken, which is very relevant for older folks. Our goal is to help older pilgrims travel with confidence and safety, and to reassure their families back home.
Convenient Options (Clinic or Home Visits): We know it’s not always easy for everyone to come down to the clinic, especially if you have mobility issues or a large family group. Alami Clinic offers flexible options. You can come to our clinic (we’ll arrange your vaccinations efficiently, with minimal waiting), or we can come to your home for an on-site vaccination visit. Home vaccination is an add-on service (S$90 house call fee), but it can be priceless for families with frail members – imagine getting grandpa, grandma, and the whole family vaccinated in the comfort of your living room. We’ve done home visits for Hajj groups where several family members get their jabs together – it’s actually a nice bonding experience and saves the trouble of transportation.
Affordable Bundles and Promotions: We strive to keep our services affordable. As mentioned, we have a Meningitis + Flu vaccine bundle for S$148 for Hajj/Umrah pilgrims, which covers the two main required shots. We also have family packages – for example, a family flu vaccination bundle (4 people for S$124) that many groups take advantage of. If you’re going with a big family or group of friends, everyone can get their flu shots together at a discounted rate. We’ll also help you check your eligibility for CHAS or MediSave use for certain vaccines. Many people don’t realize that, if you’re e.g. a Pioneer Generation senior, your flu and pneumococcal shots might be nearly free under the government subsidies. We’ll do that paperwork for you so you pay the lowest possible price.
Travel Health Consultation and Support: Vaccines are our starting point, but we go beyond. Our doctors provide travel health consultations, you can ask any questions about staying healthy during Umrah/Hajj. We’ll give practical tips and answer questions like “Can I bring my insulin on the plane?” or “What do I do if I feel unwell over there?”. We can also prescribe basic medications to bring along, if appropriate. For example, we might prescribe an extra supply of your chronic meds, some antibiotics for traveler’s diarrhea, or altitude pills if someone plans a side trip to high altitude. We personalize it to your itinerary. Plus, Alami Clinic offers telemedicine support – meaning if you fall ill while overseas, you could arrange a remote consult with our doctors back in Singapore to get advice. That continuity can be comforting when you’re far from home.
Post-Travel Follow-up: We don’t just send you off and forget about you. We’re happy to schedule a post-trip check-up for you when you’re back, to ensure you’re recovering well. If you picked up a cough or tummy upset, we’ll evaluate and treat it so you’re back in good shape. Pilgrimage is a physically demanding journey, so a bit of after-care can be beneficial – consider it a debrief and tune-up for your health.
Friendly, Faith-Attuned Care: Our team at Alami Clinic is culturally aware and some of us have personal experience with Umrah/Hajj. We understand the significance of the journey and the common concerns our Muslim patients might have. We aim to provide care that respects your values – whether it’s providing female nurses for female patients when possible, or simply ensuring any advice we give is in line with what’s permissible. Our clinic environment is designed to be welcoming and not intimidating, so feel free to approach us with any question – there’s no silly question when it comes to health. We’re here to help you focus on your spiritual journey by taking the health worries off your mind.
Alami Clinic can be your partner in your Hajj or Umrah preparation. We’ll make the vaccination process safe, smooth, and even comfortable – some of our patients joke that getting the jab at Alami was easier than they expected. We take pride in that because if we can remove any stress from the process, you can put your energy where it really matters: preparing yourself mentally and spiritually for the pilgrimage.
Ready to get started? You can book an appointment and we’ll take it from there!
Frequently Asked Questions About Umrah Vaccination in Singapore
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To travel for Umrah, the Saudi Ministry of Health requires three key vaccines:
Meningococcal ACWY (must be taken at least 10 days before departure)
Influenza (flu) vaccine
COVID-19 vaccine or booster
These vaccinations are essential for Umrah visa approval and to protect your health in crowded environments.
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You should complete your Umrah vaccination in Singapore at least 4–6 weeks before your departure date. This gives your body time to develop immunity and ensures your vaccine certificates are valid and accepted for visa processing.
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Yes, a valid vaccination certificate is mandatory to process your Umrah visa. At Alami Clinic, we provide official certificates for:
Meningococcal ACWY
Influenza
COVID-19
These certificates meet embassy and travel agency requirements.
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Yes, you may be eligible to use CHAS or MediSave for certain vaccines—especially the flu shot, depending on your eligibility (e.g. Pioneer or Merdeka Generation cardholders). Contact us and we’ll help you check your subsidy status.
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Most people experience mild and short-term side effects such as:
Pain or redness at the injection site
Low fever or fatigue
Mild headache or muscle aches
These usually resolve within 1–2 days. At Alami Clinic, we monitor you after vaccination and provide aftercare support if needed.
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If you're planning Umrah with children or during pregnancy, consult your doctor early:
Children over 2 years usually require the same mandatory vaccines
Infants and toddlers may not need certain vaccines - check with a pediatrician
Pregnant women should avoid live vaccines but may safely receive the flu and tetanus shots
Alami Clinic offers personalized guidance for families and expectant mothers.
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Yes. We provide tailored services for elderly pilgrims, including:
Chronic condition review before travel
Advice on medication and vaccine interactions
Home visits if needed
Pre-travel health screenings
Our goal is to ensure older adults travel with confidence and safety.
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Booking is simple:
WhatsApp us directly
Call the clinic during working hours
Use our online appointment
Our team will guide you through the vaccines, certification, and any subsidies you may qualify for.