Vaccine: Vaccination Can Be Done While Fasting

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JAKARTA - Vaccinologist dr. Dirga Sakti Rambe said that vaccination could be done while participants were fasting because the immune system was working well and according to the law, it was declared not to cancel worship.

"Research shows that fasting has a good impact on health. In people who fast, there is an increase in the activity of neutrophils, monocytes, and natural killer cells, all of which play a role in increasing our immunity," said Dirga Sakti Rambe, quoted by Antara, Thursday, March 31.

Medically, said Dirga, fasting for several hours a day is known as 'intermittent fasting' (IF). Fasting can be done for religious reasons such as fasting in Ramadan or for health reasons.

Dirga said the production of B cells that play a role in producing antibodies also increases when a person fasts. "Fasting reduces inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress. IF also increases the autophagy process so that the immune system is more effective against various kinds of microorganisms," he said.

According to Dirga, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has issued a fatwa Number 13 of 2021 concerning the Law on COVID-19 Vaccination While Fasting which states that giving the COVID-19 vaccine that is injected through the muscles (intramuscularly), does not break the fast.

"Quitting from the fatwa of world scholars, one of the reasons that vaccination does not invalidate fasting is because vaccines do not contain nutrients/nutrients for the body," he said.

Dirga, who is also a specialist in internal medicine, said that various studies have shown that fasting can actually increase the body's immunity. Components that play a role in the immune system, such as B cells and macrophages, respond better when fasting.

"Theoretically, this condition can also increase the effectiveness of the vaccine," he said.

He confirmed that there is no evidence that vaccinations performed while fasting trigger additional risk of side effects.

"Post-vaccination reactions such as pain or soreness at the injection site, fever, headache, etc., are normal. This is a sign that the body is reacting in order to form antibodies. Post-vaccination reactions are generally short-lived and can occur well for people who are fasting. or not," he said.

Dirga said that in principle, vaccination can be done throughout the day while fasting. No special preparation is required and during fasting, ensure that your daily nutritional needs are met.

"This includes the need for fluids/drinks so as not to be dehydrated. Eat sahur and when breaking the fast with healthy foods. For those who have chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease, it is still recommended to go to the doctor regularly so that the condition remains under control ," he said.

For participants who are worried about post-vaccination reactions such as pain at the injection site or fever that can interfere with fasting, said Dirga, it is recommended to choose a more comfortable time, for example before breaking the fast or at night.

"In fact, there are quite a number of mosques where COVID-19 vaccinations are carried out, so they can be vaccinated after performing the Isha and Tarawih prayers," he said.