The vaccine challenge
Now that the world has got some hope in the form of Covid-19 vaccine but many a countries across the globe, especially Muslim nations have raised some concerns over its use among Muslims and other groups that have objection in the use of pork gelatin that forms one of the components needed for preserving the vaccine.
Various religious scholars among the Muslims have raised their concerns about whether the COVID-19 vaccine was permissible for use under Islamic law. As companies race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine and countries scramble to secure doses, questions about the use of pork products banned by some religious groups has raised concerns about the possibility of disrupted immunisation campaigns.
The concerns among the Muslim nations have gained ground as pork-derived gelatin has been widely used as a stabilizer to ensure vaccines remain safe and effective during storage and transport. Though some measures are being adopted while developing vaccines against various ailments but when it comes to covid-19 vaccine the increased demand for the same may witness some compromises as well.
The greater demand, existing supply chains, cost and the shorter shelf life of vaccines not containing porcine gelatin means the ingredient is likely to continue to be used in a majority of vaccines for years. Though pharma companies like the Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca have said that pork products are not part of their COVID-19 vaccines, but limited supply and preexisting deals worth millions of dollars with other companies means that some countries with large Muslim populations will receive vaccines that have not yet been certified to be gelatin-free.
This presents a dilemma for religious communities, including Orthodox Jews and Muslims, where the consumption of pork products is deemed religiously unclean. Although there is a difference of opinion amongst Islamic scholars as to whether to take something like pork gelatin and make it undergo a rigorous chemical transformation so that it can be used under the pretext of medicine.
However, one important fact has also come to light and that is the majority consensus which has evolved from past debates over pork gelatin use in vaccines. The view that seems to consider its use under Islamic law, as greater harm would occur if the vaccines weren’t used at all especially in a pandemic like situation.
Now that questions are being raised over the vaccines the move may lead to rising vaccine hesitancy and misinformation being spread around the globe, including in religious communities where community engagement can become necessary.
Besides, thrust should also be laid on the fact that some companies can put their R&D facilities into use and try to work out to develop pork-free vaccines.
Already Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis has produced a pork-free meningitis vaccine, while Saudi- and Malaysia-based AJ Pharma is currently working on one of their own.
Similar steps should be ensured while developing the covid-19 vaccine that can address the concerns of the religious groups and communities who have reservation over the use of pork-derived gelatin.
KV Network
