IMAM, FIMA supports compulsory vaccination

KUALA LUMPUR, March 8 (Bernama) -- The Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia (IMAM) and Federation of Islamic Medical Associations (FIMA) fully support compulsory vaccination for babies and children to ensure there are no defects and deaths among them.

In a statement, President of IMAM Dr Jeffrey Abu Hassan and Chairman of FIMA Coalition Advisory Council Datuk Dr Musa Mohd Nordin said that vaccine rejection from anti-vaccine groups is based on unfounded allegations.

“Medical professionals have made it clear that vaccines prevent defects and deaths. Smallpox, which took 300 million lives in the 20th century, have been eradicated with the smallpox vaccine.

"Polio will also be eliminated soon. Religious authorities have also maintained that vaccines in Malaysia are halal,” said the statement.

It was reported yesterday that the Ministry of Health (KKM) is considering making at least two of 12 vaccines under the National Immunisation Programme compulsory as proposed by the Malaysian Paediatric Association (MPA).

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the proposal requiring vaccination for MMR vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella as well as diphtheria vaccine will be finalised soon.

“IMAM dan FIMA also support compulsory vaccination in line with ‘Maqasid Shari’ah’ (the attainment of good), where preserving and saving a life is the next important step to preserving one's religion,” 

“Therefore, we fully support all efforts to make vaccinations a must for babies and children according to the schedule determined by the Health Ministry, so that no lives are lost due to the failure to adhere to the national vaccine programme,” it said. 

-- BERNAMA