Muslim parents are reportedly refusing to allow their children to have a nasal flu vaccine because the treatment is not halal.
Concerns were first raised over the spray - Fluenz Tetra - containing pork gelatine last year, but the issue has been highlighted again ahead of a new nationwide drive.
At the time, the Vegetarian Society branded the use of the ingredient in three vaccines as 'disappointing', while the Muslim Council of Britain said the spray would only be permitted if there was no alternative and lives were at risk.
Next month, every healthy child between two and 10 in England will be offered Fluenz Tetra to increase herd immunity.
But uptake in areas with a high proportion of practicing Muslims is 'significantly lower' than the average, reports the Telegraph.
Dr Shuja Shafi, the chairman of the Muslim Council of Britain's research and documentation committee, said: 'We have consulted the scholars and this is their view… we need another vaccine which is halal.'
Last year Dr Shafi urged doctors to find a 'long-term solution' to the issue. Two other vaccines, MMR VaxPro and Zostavax, also contain gelatine.
An injectable version of the spray which does not contain pork gelatine, which is considered haram, exists but is currently only given to high-risk children.
{"preview_thumbnail":"https://cdn.flowplayer.com/6684a05f-6468-4ecd-87d5-a748773282a3/i/v-i-8…","video_id":"84a1b66b-04f8-458c-9458-3a4527622703","player_id":"8ca46225-42a2-4245-9c20-7850ae937431","provider":"flowplayer","video":"2nd UK Navy Vessel Arrives in Gulf to Escort Trade Ships"}
The alternative is said to be 'less effective' as it does less to reduce flu spreading and can require two doses.
Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at PHE, told the Telegraph: 'Our first priority is to ensure that vaccines are safe and effective… PHE encourages parents to seek advice from their faith or community leaders to inform their decision.'
This article has been adapted from its original source.
