Halal Concerns Fuel Vaccine Hesitancy Amid Indonesia's Measles Outbreak

Indonesia is actively battling a persistent measles outbreak, with vaccination efforts facing new challenges due to religious and cultural concerns about halal compliance. Recently, health workers on motorbikes have been conducting house-to-house vaccination campaigns in Sumenep, Madura Island, administering life-saving measles and rubella vaccines to children in vulnerable communities. These efforts are part of the regional government's initiative to curb a outbreak that has infected over 2,600 children and resulted in 20 deaths this year alone.

A significant obstacle in achieving full immunization coverage stems from fears within the Muslim population that some vaccines may not meet halal standards. The controversy centers around the use of porcine-derived gelatin as a stabilizer in vaccines, which poses an ethical dilemma for many devout Muslims who consider pigs unclean. Although Islamic scholars in Indonesia have permitted the use of vaccines containing pig-derived gelatin under certain conditions, many still regard such vaccines as haram, or forbidden.

In 2018, the Indonesian Ulema Council acknowledged these concerns but allowed the continued use of some vaccines to prevent widespread disease, emphasizing the urgency for halal-certified alternatives. Despite ongoing efforts, vaccination rates in Indonesia have declined, complicating disease control. In 2023, coverage dropped below the targets needed for herd immunity, with rates falling to 86.6% and further declining to 82.3% in 2024.

The outbreak has strained hospitals and overwhelmed isolation wards, especially during peak infection months from May to July. Many parents are hesitant to vaccinate their children due to religious reservations. Still, some parents like Ayu Resa Etika have chosen to vaccinate their children after witnessing the serious health impacts of measles in their communities, despite their initial doubts about vaccine ingredients.

Health authorities are advocating for the development and approval of halal-certified vaccines, stressing that improved vaccination coverage is essential to prevent future outbreaks. The situation underscores the importance of culturally sensitive health interventions and the need for more inclusive vaccine options to protect all populations.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-halal-vaccine-hesitancy-indonesia-measles.html