Muslim communities urged not to delay getting the vaccine during Ramadan

The month of Ramadan began earlier this week and the county council is urging all observing communities not to delay in getting their Coronavirus vaccine. 

All people over 45 in England can now book a Covid jab and the council is keen to repeat guidance that having the vaccination does not invalidate the fast and Muslim communities should not delay in booking if eligible. 

People now do not need to wait to be contacted by the NHS to book their vaccination slot. 

The council is also encouraging people who may be hesitant in taking up the vaccine to make sure they check the source of vaccine information and to discuss any concerns they have with their local Imam.   

Dr Richard Harling, Staffordshire County Council’s Director of Health and Care said: 

“Having the Covid vaccine is the best way for all communities to protect themselves from the deadly virus and it’s been widely accepted that getting it does not invalidate fasting. 

“While people may understandably have questions about the vaccine, we need to remember there has been lots of false information circulating, especially on social media sites. 

“Many of these claims have been independently debunked and we advise people if they see information about vaccines to always check the facts and question the source material. 

“Both the Muslim Council of Britain and the British Islamic Medical Association have produced a wealth of valuable information to ensure that worshippers across Staffordshire can make the right decision over the vaccine.” 

Detailed guidance and advice from The Muslim Council of Britain on observing Ramadan safely this year can be found at  https://mcb.org.uk/resources/ramadan and people can visit https://britishima.org/covid for similar information supplied by the British Islamic Medical Association.

All eligible people should book their vaccine by visiting the NHS Book a coronavirus vaccination website. 

People who have their first or second vaccine doses should still follow the Coronavirus rules in place and get tested twice a week.