Sunderland GPs urge Muslim community to get Covid-19 vaccine during Ramadan
and live on Freeview channel 276
GPs across Sunderland are urging practising Muslims to ensure they get their first or second dose of the jab if it is offered during the Ramadan period, which runs for 30 days.
To reassure the Muslim community, the British Islamic Medical Association has reviewed analysis from Islamic scholars and suggested that having the vaccine during these weeks does not invalidate the Ramadan fast.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDr Saira Malik, GP at Springwell House Surgery and Executive GP for NHS Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group said in a statement: “The British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) has issued advice urging all Muslims observing Ramadan not to delay getting their vaccine if invited to do so.
"The content of the vaccine does not contain pork or any other animal or foetal products and the BIMA has suggested that according to Islamic scholars having a jab will not invalidate the Ramadan fast.
"You can discuss this with your local Imam for further guidance.
“We know that Covid-19 has already had a disproportionate impact on our BAME colleagues and communities, and we do not want to expose them to any further unnecessary risk by not having their first or second dose of the vaccination when it is offered.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe 30-day holy period of Ramadan, which is due to start this evening (Monday, April 12) and run until Tuesday, May 11 is one of a number of faith celebrations - including Passover, Easter, Vaisakhi and Eid - that will be celebrated within the framework of certain coronavirus restrictions.
Dr Malik added: “My family and I have already had the vaccine jab and I assure people that vaccination is the best way to make sure we can all go back to normal as soon as possible, including celebrating festivals with our loved ones when it is safe to do so."
“I would strongly encourage everyone to get their vaccine when they are invited to come forward and to discuss any concerns they may have with their Iman or GP.”