Senior NHS staff encourage Muslims to continue receiving vaccinations during Ramadan

Senior NHS staff have encouraged Muslim patients to continue receiving COVID-19 vaccinations during Ramadan.

The Muslim holy month begins in the evening of 12 April and will last until the evening of 12 May.

Senior GP, Dr Farzana Hussain, highlighted that receiving the vaccination does not break the fast observed by Muslims during daylight hours over the month.

Hussain, who is a practising Muslim, said there is no nutrition in the vaccination.

“There is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t have it if you are eligible and have been invited for your COVID-19 vaccine,” she said.

The British Islamic Medical Association has issued advice confirming that Muslims can receive the vaccine during Ramadan.

The Association highlighted that no elements of the vaccination are nutritional, nor does it contain any animal or foetal products.

Head of chaplaincy at Barts Health NHS Trust, Imam Yunus Dudhwala, highlighted that the vast majority of scholars have confirmed that taking the vaccine while fasting is permissible.

“The experts have stated that the COVID-19 vaccine is effective and the best way of protecting yourself and your loved ones,” he said.

He encouraged those who have concerns about the vaccine to talk to a healthcare professional and make an informed decision.

“I would like to extend my best wishes to all, especially my colleagues working in the NHS, for the month of Ramadan – Ramadan Mubarak,” Dudhwala shared.