BARMM health chief assures COVID-19 vaccination allowed among those observing Ramadan
Those observing the Ramadan may still receive their coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine as this won't invalidate their fasting, the Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) said Wednesday, April 28.

"We have an advisory from our Mufti allowing vaccination saying one who is fasting or observing the Ramadan can get inoculated and his fasting will not be affected," Dr. Bashary Latiph said in a virtual press briefing.
He added that the COVID-19 vaccines in the country are considered "halal."
"They are halal vaccines, particularly these two brands we are using, Sinovac and AstraZeneca," said Latiph.
He said so far 12,337 individuals in the BARMM area have already been inoculated.
Latiph added that around 5,336 doses have been allocated for those who will go on Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, in June, as required by the Saudi Arabian government.
He said more than 1,000 have so far availed of the vaccines.
"We appeal to our people in BARMM to stop worrying and get inoculated already as this will have positive effects to our body, especially in this time of pandemic," said Latiph.