COVID-19: Receiving Your Vaccine During Ramadan
Have your vaccine to help save lives
The Covid-19 pandemic has hit local communities in Newham hard and with tragic consequences. The safest and most effective way to protect yourself, your family and those most at risk from the virus is by having a vaccine when you are offered it by the NHS.
To reassure the Muslim community, the British Islamic Medical Association has reviewed the analysis of Islamic scholars and confirmed that having the vaccine does not invalidate the fast.
In addition, the vaccine does not contain pork or other animal, foetal or alcohol products - this reflects the advice of the majority of Islamic scholars that having the vaccine acceptable.
Local Newham GP - Dr Muhammad Naqvi
Dr Muhammad Naqvi, who is a local GP, chair of NHS Newham Clinical Commissioning Group and a practising Muslim gave his view:
“Assalamualaikum and Ramadan Mubarak to my fellow Muslims. The holy month will be a very different experience for all of us once again this year, thanks to Covid-19, and your Imam will be able to advise you on how best to mark the month. However you celebrate, I wish you a safe and healthy Ramadan.
As Muslims we have a duty to preserve life and getting vaccinated is the most effective way to prevent illness and loss of life from Covid-19. A lot of hard work has gone into bringing the vaccines to our local communities to protect our most vulnerable, and we have already vaccinated thousands of people in Newham. We must now stand together and not allow this progress to halt during Ramadan. Islamic scholars have made it clear that having the vaccine does not invalidate the fast, however if you are still unsure whether you should have a vaccine during the holy month please speak to your local Imam for guidance. I urge everyone to have the jab when offered, but please continue to follow government guidelines to reduce transmission and help save lives.”
What to do if you become ill after receiving the vaccine
The British Islamic Medical Association also advises that if you become unwell after receiving your Covid-19 vaccine or due to another reason, you should stop fasting and seek medical advice.
Alternatively you can contact your own GP practice. Please note that most side-effects from the vaccine are mild and clear up on their own after a few hours.
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