While the GAMCA (now Wafid) medical test primarily focuses on screening for infectious diseases and general fitness, certain vaccinations are either required or highly recommended depending on your country of origin and the specific GCC country you plan to enter.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Potentially Required Vaccinations (Vary by Country of Origin and Destination):
- Polio: Some countries (especially those with ongoing polio transmission) may require proof of polio vaccination, often within a specific timeframe (e.g., 4 weeks to 12 months prior to travel). This can involve an oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) or inactivated polio vaccine (IPV).
- Yellow Fever: If you are travelling from or transiting through a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is usually mandatory. This certificate is typically valid for life starting 10 days after vaccination.
- Meningococcal Meningitis: For Saudi Arabia, particularly for those undertaking Hajj or Umrah, a valid vaccination certificate with a quadrivalent (ACYW) meningococcal vaccine is required. The validity period for this vaccine varies depending on whether it’s a polysaccharide or conjugate vaccine.
- Vaccinations often “Checked” or “Recorded” during GAMCA:
The GAMCA medical form often includes sections to record your vaccination status for:
- Polio
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Meningococcal
- COVID-19 (While not always strictly mandatory for entry anymore, having a COVID-19 vaccination certificate is often required or recommended by airlines and individual GCC countries, and it’s good to have proof).
- Recommended Vaccinations (General Travel Health):
Even if not strictly required for the GAMCA test or visa, these vaccinations are generally recommended for travel to the Middle East by health organizations like the CDC and WHO:
- Hepatitis A & B: These are good to have for general protection against liver infections, especially given potential exposure through contaminated food, water, or bodily fluids.
- Typhoid: Recommended, particularly if you plan to visit rural areas or consume street food.
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis): Ensuring your routine boosters are up to date is always advisable.
- Influenza (Flu Shot): Recommended annually.
- Rabies: Recommended for long-term travelers or those who may come into contact with animals.
Important Considerations:
- Check Specific Country Requirements: The exact requirements can vary slightly between GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain). Always check the latest health requirements for your specific destination country’s visa application process.
- Consult Your Doctor/Travel Clinic: It is highly recommended to consult with your doctor or a travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before your GAMCA appointment. They can advise you on the specific vaccinations you need based on your medical history, your country of origin, and your destination.
- Proof of Vaccination: If you receive any required vaccinations, ensure you get proper documentation (vaccination certificates) from the clinic or hospital. You may need to present these during your GAMCA medical exam or when applying for your visa.
- GAMCA Centers Don’t Vaccinate: GAMCA-approved medical centres primarily conduct examinations and tests. They typically do not provide vaccinations themselves. You will need to get any required vaccinations from local clinics, hospitals, or travel clinics beforehand.
In summary, while the GAMCA test itself focuses on screening for diseases, certain vaccinations are a crucial part of meeting the overall health requirements for a GCC visa. Always verify the latest requirements and get vaccinated well in advance.
