Muslim Parents Refuse Flu Vaccine Drive ‘Because Treatment Is Not Halal’; Concerns Spike
Recently, Muslims went against a "flu vaccine drive" in England and refused to let their children get vaccinated "because treatment is not halal." The Muslim Council of Britain said that they would opt for the Nasal spray Fluenz Tetra only if lives were at risk.
With WHO and other health organisations are bent upon providing vaccination to maximum kids, there has been time and again been issues with the whole concept of the method of prevention against diseases. Recently, Muslims went against a "flu vaccine drive" in England and refused to let their children get vaccinated "because treatment is not halal," as per reports by Daily Mail. The Muslim Council of Britain said that they would opt for the Nasal spray Fluenz Tetra only if lives were at risk and most parents are refraining their children from getting the nasal flu vaccine. The reason they have cited is that of the treatment not being halal. Every healthy child between two and 10 in England will be offered Fluenz Tetra to increase herd immunity among them to fight flu and other diseases, however, the nasal spray Fluenz Tetra contains pork gelatine, which is considered to be haram. The concerns about Fluenz Tetra containing pork gelatine was also highlighted last year when the vegetarian society branded the use of the ingredient in three vaccines as "disappointing" but looks like no change has been brought to the concoction of the vaccine.
Why Is Pork Gelatin Used in Vaccines?
The nasal spray, Fluenz Tetra contains an extremely processed form of gelatine also known as porcine gelatine. The gelatin is also used in other essential medicines and forms a common part of the medical world. The main aim of the gelatin is to the vaccine viruses stable so that it provides the best protection against flu. They also protect vaccine viruses from adverse conditions such as freeze-drying or heat.
How is Pork Gelatin Formed?
The gelatin is a kind of protein formulated by boiling skin or connective tissue. The substance is a yellowish, odourless, and tasteless and is formed by continuous boiling of skin, cartilage, and bones.
Vaccines that have pork gelatine, as per NHS:
Fluenz Tetra - a nasal spray vaccine which protects children against flu.
MMR VaxPro - a jab which protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
Zostavax - an injection to protect adults against shingles.
Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at PHE, told the Telegraph: "Our first priority is to ensure that vaccines are safe and effective… PHE encourages parents to seek advice from their faith or community leaders to inform their decision."
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 29, 2019 05:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).