MUSLIMS are being urged to get vaccinated for meningitis prior to next month's Hajj pilgrimage.

The vaccine will protect them from strains of meningitis that are not common in the UK but may be carried by pilgrims from other areas of the world, said the Meningitis Trust.

Next month thousands will travel to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage. Muslims are expected to make the trip at least once.

Philip Kirby, chief executive of the Meningitis Trust said: "Meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia (blood poisoning) can affect anyone at any time and can kill within hours.

"Survivors can be left with disabling after-effects, including brain damage, deafness and, where septicaemia has occurred, loss of limbs.

"People need to be fully aware of the dangers of meningitis both in the UK and abroad and receive appropriate protection where available.

"When people are in prolonged close contact in large gatherings, such as the Hajj, opportunities for transfer of bacteria between people are increased."

All pilgrims from the UK should have the ACWY vaccine at least two weeks before they travel, as it is a legal requirement for entry into Saudi Arabia.

The vaccine protects against four different groups of meningitis - A, C W135 and Y and is available from GP surgeries.