A local Nottingham GP is urging Muslims not to delay having their Covid-19 vaccine – first or second dose – during the holy month of Ramadan, which is due to start next week.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact in communities across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. 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 products.
Dr Shahid Amin, a GP at St Luke’s Surgery and a practising Muslim said: “Assalamualaikum and Ramadan Mubarak to my fellow Muslims. This year, the holy month will be a very different experience for all of us, due to Covid-19. Please follow all precautionary measures and social distancing guidelines during prayers and your local Imams will be able to advise you on how best to mark the month. 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.We have already vaccinated thousands of people across our city and county. 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.
“A lot of people from the Muslim community will also have their second vaccination appointments during Ramadan and it’s really important people still go to these booked appointments. Vaccines are highly effective but to get the best possible protection, people need to go for their second dose.”
If you are taking prescribed medicines, you should continue taking them during Ramadan, but check with your GP if the doses need to be adjusted or the times that you take them need to be changed.
For more information and advice on having the Covid-19 vaccination during Ramadan, visit the British Islamic Medical Association. For advice on staying healthy during Ramadan, visit www.nhs.uk/LiveWell
