BRITISH pilgrims to Mecca will need to be vaccinated against seasonal flu, Dewsbury’s MP has advised.
Saudi Arabia has brought in new visa regulations to combat the spread of viruses among the two million Muslims taking part in the Hajj.
Dewsbury MP Shahid Malik advised pilgrims to check the new rules before travelling.
The communities minister said: “It is inevitable that viruses will spread quickly at an event where two million people are expected to meet.
“It is vitally important that all British Muslims planning to travel to the Hajj this year check the Foreign Office’s travel advice and the new requirements set out by the Saudi government.”
This year’s Hajj takes place between November 25 and 29. The Saudi government has announced that all visitors must have a seasonal flu vaccination certificate which is at least two weeks old. People at high risk of infection, including children, older people and pregnant women, have been advised not to travel this year.
Visitors will also be screened for swine flu on arrival in Saudi Arabia. Anyone suspected of having the disease will be quarantined.
