Pilgrims in Bradford vulnerable to illness are being strongly advised not to make the journey to Mecca in Saudi Arabia this year.

Any Muslim with a chronic disease, pregnant women, the elderly and children are among those the Department of Health is recommending defer performing Hajj or Umrah for their own safety.

Hajj is considered one of the five ‘pillars’ of Islam. Muslims are required to make the pilgrimage once in a lifetime, if they are physically and financially able to make the journey to Mecca.

However, with swine flu circulating, vulnerable people are being advised to stay at home for their own safety.

Dr Anita Sims, director of public health for NHS Bradford and Airedale, said: “There is a high likelihood of transmission of swine flu due to the large number of people attending and we are anxious that the most vulnerable members of our community are not put at risk.

“Pilgrims are advised to take extra care with good hygiene to limit the spread of the infection.

“If you have swine flu, or are showing flu-like symptoms, do not travel until after your symptoms have stopped and you are feeling better to avoid spreading the virus.”

Pilgrims should be vaccinated with the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (ACWY), which protects against four different strains of meningitis and individuals on medication should make sure that they have adequate quantities to cover the time they will be on their pilgrimage.

To contact the Department of Health’s Swine Flu Information Line when abroad, call 0044 207 928 1010.

Anyone attending the Hajj is asked to check the website of the Saudi Arabian Embassy at saudiarabia.embassyhomepage.com and the latest travel advice on Saudi Arabia on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website at fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/your-trip/hajj-pilgrims.

New advice from the Saudi Arabian Embassy website no longer requires pilgrims to obtain proof that they have had the seasonal flu jab this year.

For the latest advice and guidance on swine flu, visit NHS Bradford and Airedale’s website on bradford.nhs.uk/swineflu/Pages/Swinefluhome.aspx