Rohani: Diphtheria vaccine permitted under fatwa even if it contains something not halal
KUCHING: Muslim parents should not hesitate to get their children vaccinated for diphtheria as it is allowed under fatwa, despite there being non-halal substances in the vaccine.
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Rohani Karim said that Muslim parents should not be worried as she had consulted an ustaz regarding the matter. The ustaz assured her that if it is classified as a medicine, it is permitted to be taken.
“Indeed, there is something in the vaccine that is not halal, but there is a fatwa that says if it is classified as a medicine, so it can be taken.
“I understand it is a very difficult decision but it is a life and death situation because if not taken (vaccine) then there will be the possibility of the children contracting the infection,” she added after a breaking of fast event held at Kompleks Islam Sarawak on Friday night.
Also present at the event was Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem and his wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Jamilah Anu.
Rohani also said that parents must understand that vaccination or immunisation is part of the procedures used to prevent and control the spread of a disease.
As such, she urged parents to change their attitude and not be obsessed with old-fashioned views on issues related to vaccination following calls on social media asking Muslim parents to refuse the vaccine.
“All nurseries under my ministry have been directed to give notice of warning to parents to ensure their children get the necessary injections. Parents must ensure their baby gets vaccinated as scheduled by the Ministry of Health starting from birth,” she said.
She made the call following the death of two children from Melaka and Kedah of suspected diphtheria.
It was recently reported that some Muslims in the country are hesitant to allow their children to be vaccinated against the disease as it was believed to have components which are non-halal.
Meanwhile, Bernama reported Health Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya as saying that all vaccines are halal and the health ministry is considering holding a talk with the National Fatwa Council to come up with a fatwa on vaccination.
“I want to give an assurance that all our vaccines are halal and there is no such thing as swine DNA in it.
“Vaccination should be a must for everyone as it prevents people from getting infected with deadly diseases,” he told reporters after presenting Aidilfitri aid to 800 people at the SMK Seri Balik Pulau in Pulau Pinang yesterday.
He said many parents obtained misleading information from the Internet on vaccination which stated vaccines were not halal as there were rumours it contained swine DNA.
Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial disease that causes inflammation of the mucous membranes, potentially hindering breathing and swallowing. It could cause fatal heart and nerve damage.
Diphtheria spreads from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets such as from coughing or sneezing. A person may also get diphtheria by coming into contact with an object, such as a toy, which has the bacteria that cause diphtheria on it.