Religious Guidance / Fatwas

Yes. The oral polio vaccine (OPV) is safe, effective, and has been used for over 60 years in more than 200 countries worldwide. It has protected billions of children from lifelong paralysis caused by poliovirus. The vaccine is approved by leading global and local health authorities and remains one of the most widely used and trusted vaccines in public health history. Oral polio vaccine is also one of the safest vaccines in use.

Yes. Protecting children from disease and preventing harm is considered an important moral responsibility in Islam. The use of the polio vaccine is not only permitted in Islam, but has been endorsed by numerous national and international Ulema. Multiple fatwas have also been issued in this regard. The vaccine is used to protect children in other Muslim countries and is a mandatory international travel requirement for all Pakistanis travelling abroad, including for Hajj and Umrah.

Each dose strengthens immunity. Children in areas with active virus circulation need multiple doses to ensure continuous protection.

Yes. Healthy children are also at risk of contracting poliovirus and developing paralysis. Moreover, a healthy child can also act as a virus carrier and contribute to poliovirus transmission.