Flu nasal vaccine is permissible for children says British Fatwa Council

The British Fatwa Council has issued a fatwa permitting the nasal flu vaccine for use in children.

Dr Musharraf Hussain Al-Azhari, Director of the British Fatwa Council, issued a statement on 12 October 2020 stating that:

“…this is for a medical purpose; it’s not consumption or eating. The nasal vaccine is an important preventative measure that has been shown empirically to reduce a lot of suffering in vulnerable children. This then falls under the well-known category of ‘darurah’ necessity, required and needed…

…Considering this evidence, we conclude the nasal flu vaccine containing porcine gelatine is permissible for use.”

The British Fatwa Council provides guidance on personal, family and business-related issues that Muslims may face in daily life. A Fatwa, in Islam, is a formal ruling or interpretation on a point of Islamic law, based on evidence from Islamic texts, given by a qualified legal scholar.  Some Muslim communities were concerned about the flu nasal spray because it uses a small amount of gelatine as a stabiliser.

However the fatwa concludes that the nasal flu vaccine is permissible for use due to its medical benefits.

The full fatwa can be read here

Flu can be horrible for young children and they can easily pass it on to those around them who could be vulnerable. The free flu nasal spray is the best way to protect your child and can prevent the spread of the virus.

Ask your GP about your child's free flu nasal spray.

The frequently asked questions here may also answer some of your questions about getting the flu vaccination this winter.

For more advice on the flu vaccine for children visit the NHS website here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine/