Muslim parents refuse 'non-halal' flu vaccine

PUBLIC health officials have raised concerns after Muslim parents have raised objection to let their children take part in a flu nasal spray vaccine as the treatment has been termed "non-halal."

The spray - Fluenz Tetra - contains pork gelatine and it is considered unclean by Muslims.

Next month, children between two and 10 will be offered Fluenz Tetra to increase herd immunity. A number of Muslim parents have vowed to pull their kids from the programme because of the presence of pig gelatine.

Azhar Ali, leader of the Labour group on Lancashire county council, said the “vast majority” of Muslim parents in his area planned to withdraw children.

Although an injectable alternative without gelatin does exist, it is only offered to those who are at a higher risk of contracting the flu.

The Muslim Council of Britain said the spray could only be permitted only if there was no other alternative.

"We have consulted the scholars and this is their view… we need another vaccine which is halal," Dr Shuja Shafi, the chairman of the Muslim Council of Britain's research and documentation committee, was quoted as saying.

Last year, Dr Shafi urged doctors to find a 'long-term solution' to the issue.

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at PHE, said: “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."