Scholars widely permit vaccines, including those containing porcine gelatine, when there is no alternative, because protecting life and health is a priority in Islam. The British Fatwa Council has said the children's nasal flu vaccine is permissible. Where a gelatine-free version exists — such as for MMR in the UK — scholars recommend asking for it.

Are Vaccines Halal? (Porcine Gelatine in Vaccines)

Also asked as: “Is the flu vaccine halal?” · “Is the MMR vaccine halal?” · “Can Muslims have vaccines?”

Why vaccines are permitted

Scholars point to the principle of necessity (darurah), the fact that vaccines are medicine not food, and — for many — the transformation of gelatine during processing (istihalah).

UK vaccines with porcine gelatine

Public health bodies list the nasal flu vaccine (Fluenz) and one MMR vaccine among those containing porcine gelatine. A gelatine-free MMR vaccine is available — you can ask your GP for it.

COVID-19 vaccines

The main COVID-19 vaccines used in the UK do not contain porcine gelatine, and many scholarly bodies declared them permissible.

Sources and further reading

British Fatwa Council — fatwa on the flu vaccine containing porcine gelatine

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