Doha: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has announced the vaccination requirements for Hajj 1447H/2026, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims to the Holy Mosque and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque. These measures aim to allow pilgrims to perform their rituals safely while minimizing the risks of infectious diseases and their complications.
The Ministry mandates that this year all pilgrims receive the quadrivalent meningococcal (ACYW-135) vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccine is mandatory for those at higher risk of health complications, including pilgrims over 65 years of age, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions including chronic heart or respiratory diseases, chronic kidney failure, hereditary blood disorders (such as sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia), congenital or acquired immunodeficiency (including those on immunosuppressive medications or with cancer), and chronic neurological diseases.
Furthermore, the Ministry recommends that all individuals aged 18 and older receive the COVID-19 vaccine and advises all pilgrims to get the seasonal influenza vaccine.
Additionally, the Ministry offers optional vaccines to protect the elderly and those at higher risk of complications. These include pneumococcal vaccine for individuals aged 65 and over, as well as those aged 18 to 64 with chronic diseases or risk factors, including diabetes, sickle cell anaemia, kidney failure, immunodeficiency, splenectomy, chronic respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, and smokers.
The Ministry also recommends the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for individuals aged 60 and older.
All required Hajj vaccinations are available at the primary healthcare centres throughout the country. The Ministry emphasises the need to obtain the required vaccinations at least 10 days before travelling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Ministry of Public Health encourages all pilgrims from the State of Qatar to adhere to established preventive measures and to receive the necessary vaccinations to ensure their health and safety. It is imperative to mitigate the risk of infectious diseases, which can be transmitted through direct contact or contaminated surfaces.
The likelihood of infection transmission increases during the Hajj and Umrah seasons due to elevated crowding, and therefore, it is advisable to minimise such exposure whenever possible.
The Ministry recommends that individuals with chronic diseases consult a doctor well before travelling and ensure they have enough medication for the entire travel period.
The Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and the Qatar Red Crescent, has published the Pilgrim's Health Guide.
This guide includes essential health, preventive, and educational guidelines to be followed before, during, and after performing the rituals of Hajj. The Pilgrim's Health Guide is available on the Ministry of Public Health website .
The Ministry of Public Health is committed to taking all necessary measures to ensure the health and safety of Qatari pilgrims. This aligns with the National Health Strategy 2024–2030, which prioritises proactive disease prevention, including the uptake of required vaccinations. This approach helps reduce the disease burden in the country and supports the goal of improving population health and wellbeing.
