The following report was released by the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) on October 20, 2009:

Each year, millions of people travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in the Hajj, a pilgrimage to the holy places of Islam. This year, the week of the Hajj begins on November 25.

 If you are traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj, you can expect large crowds at mass gatherings and places of worship and lodging. This overcrowding may lead to an increased risk of accidental injury and infectious diseases, such as meningococcal disease (meningitis), influenza (including 2009 H1N1 flu), and other diseases spread easily from person to person.

Vaccinations for pilgrims traveling from the United States to Saudi Arabia  to perform Hajj   Required for entry: ·         Meningococcal vaccine (quadrivalent)  Recommended for travel: ·         Routine vaccinations (such as MMR, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) ·         Influenza vaccine (seasonal flu vaccine) ·         Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine (when available and traveler is at high risk for flu complications) ·         Polio ·         Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid

Vaccinations Required by Saudi Arabia

To protect the health and safety of pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has established the following health requirements for all visitors:

·         All pilgrims over 2 years old must get a vaccine to protect against meningococcal disease. This requirement means that you —

• Need to have had your vaccine no more than 3 years and no less than 10 days before you arrive in Saudi Arabia.
• Must show proof of meningococcal vaccination on a valid certificate of vaccination (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis) before you can enter the cities of Mecca and Medina to perform the Hajj. If you do not have this proof of vaccination, you may be denied entry.
• Note for clinicians: This vaccine MUST be a quadrivalent (A/C/Y/W-135) meningococcal vaccine.
• All pilgrims will be screened for diseases that must be reported under the International Health Regulations, including dengue fever, meningococcal meningitis, and yellow fever. This year screening may include 2009 H1N1 flu.

Travel Advisories

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs gives the following advice Australians who are traveling, working or living in Saudi Arabia: "Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas, organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy."

The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office gives the following advice British people who are traveling, working or living in Saudi Arabia: "We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. This should cover medical evacuation by air ambulance. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake."

The Canadian Foreign Affairs Office gives the following advice to Canadians who are traveling, working or living in Saudi Arabia: "Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover costs if you get sick or are injured while abroad. Out-of-country healthcare can be costly, and your health plan will cover only part of the bill at best. It is your responsibility to obtain supplementary travel insurance and understand the terms of your policy. Some credit card companies offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume that coverage is automatically included or that the card alone provides adequate coverage."

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade gives the following advice to New Zealanders: "New Zealanders travelling or resident in Argentina should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air."

The U.S. Department of State gives the following advice to Americans who are traveling, working or living in Saudi Arabia: "We strongly urge you to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation and overseas medical services. Please keep in mind that Medicare does not cover any illness or injury that occurs outside of the United States."

How We Can Help

We at Sunburst International Risk Management and Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services are happy to provide you free consultation and free quotes for the appropriate insurance plan that meets your needs. We invite you to visit our websites at: Sunburst International Risk Management and Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services