The provincial health office of Lanao del Sur has started administering the second dose of anti-coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines for hundreds of Islamic preachers and prospective pilgrims to this year’s religious journey to Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Allen Minalang, Lanao del Sur health chief, said Tuesday the administration of anti-Covid-19 jabs started Monday, April 19, and will end the next day.

“Able-bodied senior citizens and health workers in Marawi City and from nearby towns received the second dose of Sinovac vaccines as part of preparations for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia,” Minalang said.

The IPHO-Lanao del Sur has recently received more than 5,000 doses allocated for sheiks, pilgrims, and medical teams bound to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the 2021 pilgrimage.

Saudi Arabian authorities earlier said it would only allow Islam faithful with two doses to perform the year-round Umrah pilgrimage, starting from the month of Ramadan.

“May we remind the public again to observe the minimum public health standards even after vaccination to curb the transmission of Covid-19,” Minalang said.

“Everyone is urged to avail of the free vaccines from the government when it’s their turn to get the additional protection against Covid-19 and to prevent severe complications in case they get infected with Covid-19,” he added.

An advisory from IPHO-Lanao del Sur said Muslims who are fasting need not worry about the vaccination.

“It does not pass through an orifice of our body. It is also not a type of food and drink that provides nourishment, nor does it satiate our hunger or thirst,” the statement said.

During the fasting month, Islam faithful fast from sunrise to sunset, refraining from taking water or drinks and performing more prayers and charity works.

“Injection of vaccines is allowed by Islam,” the IPHO statement said. (PNA)