North Jakarta Health Sub-agency confirmed to continue COVID-19 vaccination program during Ramadan month.

Vaccination is still safe for body and do not invalidate the fasting

North Jakarta Health Sub-agency Head, Yudi Dimyati conveyed, COVID-19 vaccination will continue in Ramadan month and target elderly residents, religious leaders, community leaders, and community service cadres.

"Vaccination is still safe for body and do not invalidate the fasting. Before vaccination, vaccine recipients should prepare their physical condition first, such as conducting suhoor," he mentioned, Monday (4/12).

During Ramadan, he informed, COVID-19 vaccination will be opened until 22:00 in 6 sub-district health centers (puskesmas) in North Jakarta.

"Vaccination in morning is still carried out from 8:00 to 16:00. However, there is also night shift from 16:00 to 22:00," he said.

"North Jakarta MUI Chairperson, K.H. Ahmad Ibnu Abidin said COVID-19 vaccination can be done during Ramadan month. It is based on Indonesian Ulema Council's Fatwa No. 13/2021 on COVID Vaccination Law During Fasting which states, COVID-19 vaccination by injection doesn't invalidate fasting. It applies as long as it doesn't cause harm (dharar).

"Fatwa has been issued and mentioned that COVID-19 vaccination is still allowed even though people are fasting," he said.

He added, this fatwa was issued because COVID-19 vaccination don't cause loss of thirst and hunger when fasting. According to him, COVID-19 vaccination is an effort to minimize COVID-19 transmission.

"Vaccination is given for the good. So, it is okay to be given to participants who are fasting," he stated.