Covid-19 vaccines may be taken at Ramadan, UAE doctors say
Doctors in the UAE reassured anyone who is fasting this Ramadan that it is safe to continue with their coronavirus vaccinations.
The holy month is days away, but as the UAE continues its vaccination drive, some people are unsure if they should proceed with appointments.
Doctors are offering advice to encourage those fasting to stay as healthy as possible.
“As we know, in Ramadan, Muslims go fasting for about 14 hours and, in Islam, if a person is sick, they are allowed to break the fast,” said Dr Hesham Gad, a specialist in internal medicine at International Modern Hospital, Dubai. “Due to Covid-19, we need to take more fluids. So, if a person is going to take a vaccine during Ramadan, they are advised to break a fast and take in more fluids. They are also advised to take proper rest and healthy food.”
The most common hospital admissions at Ramadan involve people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma and epilepsy.
Hospital staff are prepared for a busy month ahead.
Many private hospitals are likely to extend specialist services to meet demand for treatment outside of regular hours.
It is not uncommon for patients who are managing conditions to fall ill after breaking their fast at sunset.
“As the holy month of Ramadan starts in a few days, the medical community is encountering several concerns from patients about receiving Covid-19 vaccines,” said Dr Azeem Mohamad at Bareen International Hospital in Mohamed bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi.
“Taking the vaccine during fasting hours will not invalidate your fast, as the vaccine does not pass through any opening of your body as it is injected into the muscle.
“The vaccine has no nutritional value and is not a food or drink that satisfies hunger.
“The content of vaccine is halal and does not contain pork, animal products or alcohol.”
Dr Mohamad said if a person experienced side effects from a vaccine and needed to take medicine or break the fast, it was permissible, and could be compensated for by fasting on another day.
“Fasting can boost the immune system, so it is absolutely safe to receive the vaccine during fasting hours,” he said.
Dubai extended its vaccination programme in March, calling on all residents over 40 to register to receive an injection of either the Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Sinopharm vaccines.
On Monday, 17,743 doses were given, taking the total number in the UAE to 8,596,722, consolidating one of the fastest immunisation campaigns in the world.
Dr Tarek Ibrahim, head of the emergency medicine department at NMC Specialty Hospital in Al Ain, advised people to continue with any vaccination appointments they had during Ramadan.
“It is highly advised that people do not postpone or delay. However, people with chronic conditions should consult a physician prior to taking the jab,” he said.
“In addition, those with increased risk of contracting Covid-19 should consider alternatives to fasting.”