Muslims urged to get Covid-19 jab during Ramadan
Leading doctors and practicing Muslims have said there is "no reason" why Ramadan should stop anyone getting their Covid-19 vaccination.
Medical leaders and the majority of Islamic scholars have united to address misinformation that suggests that receiving the vaccine will in any way break the Muslim practice of fasting during Ramadan.
Some vaccination sites across the region have already extended their opening hours to encourage uptake, with others welcoming recipients to ‘twilight’ vaccination sessions, pop-up clinics and special drop-in clinics where no appointment is required to receive a vaccine.
Other sites are offering more flexible booking slots and Imams are promoting participation at Friday sermons to encourage vaccine take-up during the Islamic Holy Month of Ramadan, which is expected to begin on Monday, April 12.
Dr Masood Ahmed, chief medical officer for the Black Country and West Birmingham is one of a host of NHS leaders urging Muslim communities to continue to come forward to receive their vaccine during Ramadan.
He said: "Receiving your Covid-19 vaccination during Ramadan does not break the fast as it’s not nutrition, so there is no religious reason why Muslims should not come forward to receive theirs during Ramadan.
"The Quran says that whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity.
"We could not be clearer that the Covid-19 vaccine could help save your life and those of the people closest to you, so it is absolutely vital that my fellow Muslims don’t delay receiving their vaccines when they are called."
The British Islamic Medical Association, an affiliate of the Muslim Council of Britain, has issued specific advice that recommends the vaccine.
The guidance also makes clear it is acceptable to receive the vaccine during Ramadan as it is not nutritional, nor does it contain any animal or foetal products.
Dr Ahmed said: "Numerous studies have proven that the vaccine is safe and effective with minimal side effects and there is a growing body of evidence from medical and faith leaders that supports practicing Muslims receiving the vaccine, including during Ramadan."
The efforts to encourage Muslim residents in the Midlands to come forward to receive their vaccine builds on highly successful national NHS campaigns that are already underway to encourage people from all backgrounds to receive their vaccine.
That campaign has already been supported by the BBC’s Adil Ray and Bake Off star Nadiya Hussain.
Anyone who is eligible to receive a Covid-19 vaccination can book their appointment using the NHS national booking service online at nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/
