COVID-19 vaccines ‘safe to use while fasting’ during Ramadan: UAE doctors

COVID-19 vaccines ‘safe to use while fasting’ during Ramadan: UAE doctors

Doctors in the United Arab Emirateshave reassured Muslims that it is safe to be vaccinated against COVID-19 while fasting during Ramadan.

The holy month is expected to begin on April 12 or 13, but as the UAE continues to roll-out its nationwide vaccination program, doctors are urging those to continue with their first or second dose of a vaccine as planned.

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In some cases, fasting can actually help improve immunity, they say.

Dr Maisaa al-Sulaiman, a specialist in family medicine at Burjeel Specialty Hospital in Sharjah, said Muslims fasting during the holy month of Ramadan should not be wary about taking inoculations to protect against COVID-19.

"Fasting in Ramadan shouldn't prevent people from taking the vaccine,“ she told Al Arabiya English. "It is actually the opposite; scientifically taking the vaccine while fasting is more effective and gives better results.“

This is due to a process called autophagy which the doctor explained "is the immune system starting to clear out the body from all types of dead cells, diseases, and cancerous cells as well.“

Al-Sulaiman also said, "while fasting for more than 12 hours the body will be in its best state to defend itself and fight against any pathogens,