Health Risks Disclaimer
The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
We, at Sonic HealthPlus, trading as Travelvax and our related companies, cannot guarantee that the following information is complete, up-to-date, accurate or error free. You therefore view the following information at your own risk.
You should obtain specific travel health advice in relation to your individual needs and your intended travel, including advice on vaccinations, anti-malarial and other medications based on your past vaccination history, your present medical condition and your intended itinerary.
Our staff at travelvax.com.au are trained in the medical travel health area and are able to advise you on your specific individual needs. Please feel free to contact us on 1300 360 164 for assistance.
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About Saudi Arabia Vaccinations
Saudi Arabia is a middle-eastern nation. In general, Saudi Arabia has a hot, dry, desert climate. Temperatures in the interior reach 54°C. Coastal areas present higher humidity.
Travel Health Alerts
Vaccine Preventable Diseases
Yellow Fever
Proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
No yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for direct travel from Australia or New Zealand.
Travelvax has doctors who are yellow fever vaccination-accredited. Click here to learn more about Yellow Fever.
COVID-19
For the most up to date requirements for entry into Australia, go to Smartraveller.
Please click this COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map (IATA) to view the latest Saudi Arabia COVID travel requirements.
Hepatitis A
Moderate risk to travellers, vaccination recommended. Click here to learn more about the Hepatitis A vaccination.
Hepatitis B
Moderate presence of Hepatitis B in local population. Vaccination would be recommended. Click here to learn more about the Hepatitis B vaccination.
Typhoid
Moderate risk for most travellers. Vaccination recommended for travel to smaller cities, villages and rural areas outside usual tourist routes. Some medical conditions pre-dispose to infection; whether vaccinations would be recommended should be discussed with a medical practitioner. Consult a medical practitioner for your specific risk. To learn more about Typhoid and the available vaccinations, click here.
Influenza
Year round risk present. Most common vaccine preventable illness in travellers. Vaccine recommended, effective for 1 year. To learn more about the Influenza virus, click here.
Rabies
Disease present. Recommendation for vaccination will depend on specific itinerary and activities planned. Generally rabies vaccination is advised for high risk individuals such as veterinarians or animal handlers, cavers. Additionally for higher risk travellers who plan: extended periods outdoors, rural travel, adventurous activities including bicycling; also expats or long-term travellers to endemic regions and children (risk of more severe or risk-prone bites and may not report contact at all). Click here to learn more about rabies.
Japanese Encephalitis
No risk to travellers.
Polio
No risk to travellers.
Other country requirement(s) (2022): Requirements for Travellers to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah
• Proof of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis - see dedicated section
• Proof of vaccination against poliomyelitis
- Travellers from states reporting cases of WPV1 or cVDPV1 (Appendix 1-Table 1) are required to submit a valid polio vaccination certificate with at least one dose of bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV) or inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) within the previous 12 months and administered not less than 4 weeks prior to arrival.
- Travellers from states reporting cases of cVDPV2 (Appendix 1-Table 2) are required to submit a valid polio vaccination certificate with at least one dose of IPV within the previous 12 months and administered at least 4 weeks prior to arrival.
Tickborne Encephalitis
No risk to travellers.
Meningococcal Meningitis
Low risk to travellers.
Other country requirement(s) (2022): Requirements for Travellers to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah
• Proof of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis
- All travellers, domestic or international, adults and children aged over 1 year arriving for Umrah, Hajj or for seasonal work in Hajj zones, are required to submit a valid vaccination certificate with a quadrivalent (ACYW) meningococcal vaccine received at least 10 days prior to the planned arrival to Hajj and Umrah areas.
- Vaccination with ONE of the following vaccines is acceptable: - Quadrivalent (ACYW) polysaccharide vaccine within the last 3 years. - Quadrivalent (ACYW) conjugate vaccine within the last 5 years.
- Current scientific evidence suggests that conjugate vaccines are safe and effective for those above 55 years of age.
- Health authorities at the pilgrims' country of origin should ensure their vaccination within the required validity period and make sure that the type of vaccine is clearly shown in the vaccination certificate. If the vaccine type is not indicated on the certificate, it will be considered valid for 3 years only.
Cholera
No risk to travellers.
Other Diseases
Travellers Diarrhoea
High risk. Travellers' Diarrhoea affects 20-60% of overseas travellers, food and water precautions are essential. Self-treatment medications may be recommended.
Insect-borne Diseases
Diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika may be present. Seasonal risk will vary by country. Whether preventive measures will be recommended will depend on itinerary, length of stay, type of travel etc. and needs to be discussed with a medical practitioner. For those countries with disease present, risk is highest in urban and semi-urban areas, but may also occur in rural areas; insect avoidance measures are highly recommended all year round. Travelvax believes that the best defence is to understand their habits, dress properly and use an effective insect repellent in the correct manner. Consult a medical practitioner for your specific risk.
Schistosomiasis
No risk to travellers.
Altitude
Altitude illness is a risk to travellers ascending higher than 2000 meters. Preventative medication is available. Consult a medical practitioner if ascending to 2000 metres or above. Click here to learn more about Altitude illness.
Additional Information
Personal Safety
In order to check before and during travel for any high-risk areas visit the Smartraveller website. Avoid unnecessary displays of wealth or valuables and minimise the amounts of cash carried. Keep secure records of passport/credit card/licence numbers. For more safety tips visit: www.smartraveller.gov.au.
Medical Care
Limited medical facilities available. Unless travelling with a well-equipped organisation, a high level of self-sufficiency in terms of first aid kits and sterile equipment is recommended. An evacuation contingency should be a part of your travel insurance. Check for any contacts supplied by your emergency assistance organisation (nominated by your travel insurer) or with IAMAT (International Association of Medical Assistance for Travellers).
First Aid Kits & Accessories
Carry a basic first aid kit, customised to your activities. For longer stays consider a needle and syringe pack and medication for travellers diarrhoea.
Call 1300 360 164 for the location of the clinic nearest to you.
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