Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s Sanitary and Epidemiological Committee has reported a worsening epidemic situation concerning meningococcal infections in some regions of the country.

According to the official guidance published on the Saudi Ministry of Health’s website:

- MenACWY Polysaccharide Vaccine: Must have been administered within the past three years and at least 10 days prior to arrival in Saudi Arabia.
- MenACWY Conjugate Vaccine: Must have been administered within the past five years and at least 10 days prior to arrival.

In addition to meningitis vaccination, proof of vaccination against polio and yellow fever is also required for entry into the Kingdom.

Uzbekistan's Sanitary and Epidemiological Committee has issued a formal notice to the Committee for Religious Affairs, as well as tour agencies and airlines involved in organizing Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. The notice highlights a worsening epidemic situation in regions such as Tashkent, Jizzakh, and Namangan.

The World Health Organization has reported a global rise in acute respiratory infections, including meningococcal disease. An estimated 300,000 to 500,000 meningitis cases are recorded annually worldwide, with 30,000 to 50,000 resulting in death. Within Uzbekistan, recent cases have included fatalities. Epidemiological investigations revealed that most cases were linked to contact with individuals returning from abroad, particularly those who had undertaken Umrah pilgrimages.

Vaccination programs for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims were routinely conducted until 2019 through collaboration between the Committee for Religious Affairs, the Muslim Religious Authority, and the Sanitary and Epidemiological Committee. However, during the transition to an electronic visa system for Saudi Arabia, vaccination monitoring for Umrah pilgrims was overlooked. Consequently, only Hajj pilgrims have been consistently vaccinated.

This oversight has resulted in infected pilgrims spreading meningitis to others in Mecca and Medina, becoming sources of infection. The Sanitary and Epidemiological Committee considers extending vaccination requirements to Umrah pilgrims essential to prevent the spread of meningococcal infections.

Recommendations for pilgrims

The Committee advises that all citizens planning to perform Umrah or Hajj, including those traveling with tour operators, be vaccinated against meningitis at least 15 days to 1 month before departure. If a previous vaccination certificate exists, it remains valid for one year from the vaccination date.

To minimize the risk of airborne infections, the Committee also recommends:

- Wearing protective masks in crowded or enclosed spaces;
- Washing hands frequently with soap or antiseptics;
- Using tissues when coughing or sneezing;
- Avoiding contact with individuals showing clear signs of illness;
- Practicing good personal hygiene.

The Sanitary and Epidemiological Committee has requested support from the Ministry of Health to ensure the effective implementation of meningitis vaccinations for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.