Epidemiologists Study The Islamic Validity Of AstraZeneca Vaccine: Safe And Halal

Illustration of AstraZeneca vaccine (Photo: Special)

JAKARTA - The government's decision to start distributing the COVID-19 vaccine with the AstraZeneca type has received attention from the Airlangga University epidemiologist, Atoillah Isfandi.

According to him, the disagreement that occurs in the community regarding the halal level of the vaccine product must be based on three considerations in accordance with the Qur'an and Hadith.

"Namely, related to the ingredients, the process of making the vaccine, and the benefits of the vaccine itself. So the haram law is not only seen from the content of the object, but also on the process and use, ”he said in an official statement as quoted by VOI, Sunday, March 21.

Atoillah added, the process of observing the halal side also needs to pay attention to the five principles that are considered in determining whether a vaccine is halal or haram.

The first rule is 'sure', which means that if this is still an experimental stage like clinical trial phase-1, and after that it is immediately commercialized or used, then it violates the rules and can be declared haram, even though it uses sacred content.

"Then the second is 'Intention', which means that no matter how good the object is, it is haram," he said.

Then, the third is the principle of 'Masyaqqat' which means that in the vaccination process, it will cause other diseases. If the side effects caused by this vaccination are large enough, then the vaccine will be haram.

Furthermore, the rule of 'Adh dhararu' which means emergency. Atoillah explained that this fourth rule is an exception in an emergency, or things that cause haram can then be eliminated.

"So for example, even though there is an element of pork, because this is an emergency, it becomes halal. Until later we find a vaccine that does not use trypsin from pigs, the current vaccines are still halal, ”he explained.

Another scenario that he explained is when a vaccine with trypsin from cows has been found or the status of the COVID-19 pandemic has turned into an endemic only, then it can be said that the emergency of this problem has passed.

"So when the COVID-19 vaccination becomes elective, that's where the public can choose a vaccine that is truly halal. The statement that AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine is haram but can be used from MUI, in my opinion, comes from this point of view, "he explained.

The fifth is the 'Al Urf' rule which can be said to be related to local wisdom. Atoillah said that this point was not suitable for implementation in vaccines. He said the example from Al Urf was like a salvation event which usually gathers large numbers of people. This activity is of course contrary to the spirit of maintaining health protocol by avoiding or not crowding.

Especially the pig trypsin which is used in the process of making AstraZeneca vaccines, the epidemiologist explained that the process takes place to grow antibody compounds in host cells.

He said that after the anti-body compound was injected into the body, there was no longer any connection with trypsin because it was only a planting medium.

"It is like if we plant trees, use manure, which is considered unclean, but when it produces fruit, the fruit does not necessarily become unclean," he said.

"I have also reconfirmed it with AstraZeneca, and it turns out that they did not involve trypsin in the separation process. Trypsin is only used for culture media. So in my opinion, this vaccine is safer and more lawful, "added Atoilah.

To note, the polemic on the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine had surfaced due to reports that said the use of this vaccine increased the risk of blood clots or overall blood clotting events (thromboembolism).

To reduce this, the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) stated that the AstraZeneca vaccine is not associated with these risks. The government-formed institution also emphasized that the benefits of vaccines in handling COVID-19 are greater than the risks and side effects caused.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) also said that the AstraZeneca vaccine is allowed to be used (mubah) considering the benefits it provides and taking into account the current emergency due to the pandemic.

The MUI also released an appeal stating that Muslims in Indonesia are obliged to participate in the government's vaccination program so that they can immediately avoid the threat of a pandemic.