Flu affects our immune system, making it easier for us to contract other infections, like COVID-19 or pneumonia, and can make other long-term illnesses worse. With Muslim communities having higher mortality rates of COVID-19 than any other faith group, flu threatens to further impact the health of our communities.

Ramadan begins in late March this year and Muslim communities in Britain will soon be making plans to prepare for the month of fasting. Ramadan brings a huge opportunity to revisit our routines and think about our health, as well as the wellbeing of those around us.

There are multiple reports of 24hr+ waits in A&E, ambulances being dangerously delayed & overflowing wards. There are multiple, complex reasons for this, not only because of winter viruses. We are advising the following SHORT term measures to protect one another:

Operation Vaccination is a campaign initiated in late 2020 to increase awareness in Muslim communities about the importance of getting a flu vaccination in winter.

Our Operation Vaccination team has published the following guidance.