Reisa: Vaccination Against COVID-19 Does Not Invalidate Muslim Fasting

JAKARTA - Government Spokesperson for COVID-19, Reisa Broto Asmoro, reminded again that the COVID-19 vaccination carried out in the month of Ramadan will not cancel the fast carried out by Muslims.

"Actually, if we remember, this was discussed in the month of Ramadan last year. But there is already a fatwa," Reisa said in a broadcast that was followed online in Jakarta, Antara, Monday, March 28.

Based on the Fatwa of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Number 13 of 2021 regarding the law on COVID-19 vaccination while fasting, Reisa said that vaccination does not invalidate fasting and may be carried out by all Muslims.

The COVID-19 vaccination is one of the efforts to maintain health in the month of Ramadan so it is not a problem to do it. However, there are a number of things that must be considered before vaccinating so as not to break the fast that is being carried out.

First, people must get rest and eat nutritious food in sufficient quantities, so that the body has good energy throughout the day and does not feel weak while waiting for their turn for vaccinations at health facilities.

Reisa said it is also important for everyone to drink at least two liters of water per day so that the body does not lack fluids and avoids various diseases when fasting.

He also advised the public to vaccinate against COVID-19 in the morning or when the energy possessed by the body is still optimal.

"Don't forget to make sure our health conditions are still in good condition, there are no symptoms of disease and try to be picky about where the vaccine is in the morning, when we have good energy," he said.

Meanwhile, as of March 28, 2022, the Task Force for Handling COVID-19 reported that the recipients of the complete dose of the COVID-19 vaccine had reached 157,974,507. The number of residents who received the complete dose was obtained after an increase of 133,749 people.

Residents who received the first dose also increased by 68,824 people from the previous day, bringing the total number of recipients of the first dose to 195,958,039 people. While the recipients of the third vaccine dose increased by 170,804 people with a total of 20,134,645 people.