“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?