National charity Meningitis Research Foundation is urging pilgrims to Mecca for this year’s Hajj to make sure their meningitis travel vaccine is up to date or risk being denied entry to Saudi Arabia.

Large epidemics of meningococcal disease have been linked to the Hajj pilgrimage and many cases also occur world-wide after pilgrims return to their own countries.

Following an upturn in cases of meningitis and septicaemia earlier this decade, vaccination is now a visa entry requirement for pilgrims on Hajj and for anyone travelling to Saudi Arabia around the same time as Hajj.

Pilgrims and travellers must have a certificate showing that they have been vaccinated within the last three years. This also applies to seasonal workers in Hajj areas.

Travellers will need to have had the 'quadrivalent' meningococcal vaccine (ACWY vaccine) at least 10 days before leaving for Saudi Arabia. This vaccine protects against strains A, C, W135 and Y and is available from GP surgeries or travel clinics. Once vaccinated, protection in adults lasts for approximately three years.

MRF chief executive, Christopher Head, , said: "Meningitis and septicaemia are diseases that can kill in hours. It is vital that pilgrims protect themselves against these diseases by having the vaccine. But this vaccine only protects against some forms of the diseases, so it is also important for people to know the symptoms. Knowing the symptoms and getting medical help if a case is suspected, saves lives."

Meningitis Research Foundation provides audio and written information about symptoms and about quadrivalent vaccine for pilgrims on Hajj in many languages including Arabic, Bengali (Sylheti), Gujarati, Punjabi, Somali, Turkish and Urdu on www.meningitis.org. An interpretation service in 150 languages is available through the helpline on Free fone 080 8800 3344 (UK residents).

Call Meningitis Research Foundation’s Freefone 24 hour helpline - 080 8800 3344 – for more information about meningitis vaccines and the symptoms of the disease.

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