Aylesbury Mosque praised for stopping 'fake news' on vaccine

Reports on social media have suggested that many Muslims across the UK have either refused or are reluctant to take the jab, as there are alleged rumours of the vaccine containing products that go against Islam, such as alcohol and gelatine.

However, at the end of January this year, Dr Nighat Arif, who is based in Chesham, went on BBC Breakfast, as well as posting a video of herself on TikTok, to explain that the vaccine is jab for Muslims to have.

READ MORE: Chesham GP goes on BBC Breakfast to talk about the Covid vaccine

Speaking through a video link at the House of Commons on Monday, March 1, Mr Butler said: “Aylesbury Mosque is working extremely hard to spread the accurate messages and to dispel fake news about the vaccine, both at Friday prayers and on its Facebook page.

Aylesbury MP, Rob Butler

“Will my Honourable Friend [Saffron Walden’s MP, Kemi Badenoch] join me in thanking the Aylesbury Mosque committee for these efforts and showing this leadership, and does she agree that faith groups have a crucial role to play in telling the truth and encouraging the take up of the vaccine across all parts of our community?”

Mrs Badenoch then replied: “My Honourable Friend is absolutely right, and I would like to add my thanks to the Aylesbury Mosque for their vital work in promoting vaccine uptake.

READ MORE: Bucks GP's TikTok post about Covid jab seen by more than 100k people

“Working with religious leaders and other respected local voices to promote vaccine uptake among ethnic minorities is key to ensure you reach all parts of the community.

What the MPs said

“And as I mentioned before, the NHS has now opened 47 vaccination sites in places of worship and community centres across the country, and it is fantastic to get the feedback from local MPs about how this is going.”

Since the vaccine was first administered at the start of January, over 20m people across the country have received the jab.