Monday 8 December 2014

“Let Them Eat Cake Get Flu…”

Thousands of East Lancashire youngsters, aged between 11 and 13, are being offered the new nasal spray , which is made with gelatine derived from pigs, as part of a pilot scheme.
But the decision not to offer an alternative has been branded 'outrageous' by community leaders, who said some Muslims would consider the spray to be ‘Haram’, or sinful.
Oh, good lord…
‘At risk’ children can still access the injected vaccine from their GP, but healthy children will only be offered the new nasal spray Fluenz Tetra.
Concerns had also been raised that parents may not be aware that the spray contains porcine gelatine, although officials said leaflets have been sent out and parents must sign a consent form before their child receives the vaccine.
If they don’t read the leaflets, it’s down to them.
The spray, manufactured by British-Swedish pharmaceutical firm Astra Zeneca, has been certified as acceptable by some representatives from Jewish and Muslim communities, but others consider it to be 'haram'.
*shrugs*
Azhar Ali, Pendle councillor and cabinet member for health at Lancashire County Council, said he supported the vaccination programme.
"I think it's really important for children to be vaccinated for flu, but parents can choose not to have the vaccination if they wish.
"I'm a Muslim and I think it would be outrageous if parents didn't want their kids to take this up. There are lots of alcohol-based ointments that are commonly used without any controversy."
I wonder what your chances of re-election are now?

5 comments:

Longrider said...

Given that the influenza virus is constantly mutating and they can only vaccinate against the last one, the whole exercise is pointless anyway.

Anonymous said...

Allah decides everything inshallah! There's a dusty corner of the Levant where you won't be troubled by haram improvements to health so FO.

Anonymous said...

"There are lots of alcohol-based ointments that are commonly used without any controversy."
I thought muslims weren't allowed alcohol? I wish they'd make their bloody minds up!
Penseivat

Furor Teutonicus said...

Never had flu, until the bastards injected me against it.

JuliaM said...

"... the whole exercise is pointless anyway."

Given I'm currently suffering what must be the 58th cold of my life, I'll tend to agree... :/

"I thought muslims weren't allowed alcohol? I wish they'd make their bloody minds up!"

You might wait a long time...