Many Muslim parents share a simple concern: how to keep their children safe from illness while also understanding where medical advice sits within Islamic teachings. On Sunday 10 May 2026, a national webinar organised by the Australian Islamic Medical Association (AIMA) created space for those questions to be discussed openly, with both medical evidence and Islamic ethical reflection.
The session began with a Qur’anic recitation, highlighting the Islamic principle of preserving life, which framed the discussion that followed.
AIMA hosted the webinar, “Protecting Your Child: Vaccination Guide for Parents,” bringing together clinicians and Muslim families from across Australia.
Associate Professor Habib Bhurawala, Paediatrician at Nepean Hospital and AIMA Executive Committee member, moderated the session. He reminded participants that protecting life sits at the heart of Islamic teaching, and that preventing harm to children is part of that responsibility.
He also spoke about why vaccination starts early in life. Babies and young children, he explained, are still developing their immune systems, which leaves them more vulnerable to serious infections such as whooping cough, measles and meningitis. Even when treated, these illnesses can leave lasting effects.
Professor Gulam Khandaker from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) addressed several common concerns around vaccines. He referred to large-scale evidence showing no link between the MMR vaccine and autism, noting that the original claim came from a study that was later retracted. He also clarified that mRNA vaccines do not interact with or alter human DNA and have been widely used, with a strong safety profile, across global populations.
He explained that childhood vaccines are carefully scheduled to protect children at the stages when they are most at risk. When doses are missed, families can safely catch up through their GP or immunisation provider.
He also pointed out that vaccination rates in Australia have recently edged closer to levels where outbreaks of diseases like measles can re-emerge, particularly when community coverage drops.
Dr Masoumeh Safari, a Brisbane GP, brought a clinical perspective to the discussion. She described how vaccines train the immune system to recognise and respond to infections, helping prevent serious illness before it occurs. She also shared a case from practice involving a child who suffered severe complications from an infection that could have been prevented through vaccination.
She emphasised that vaccination is not only about individual protection, but also about protecting those who cannot be vaccinated, including children undergoing cancer treatment and people with weakened immune systems. In schools and childcare settings, this shared protection becomes especially important.
Questions from the audience touched on vaccine safety, ingredients, and religious considerations. The speakers acknowledged that scholarly views differ but noted that many Islamic authorities support vaccination as it protects life and prevents harm.
They also reassured participants that vaccines undergo multiple phases of testing before approval and are continuously monitored once in use. Most side effects are mild and short-lived, such as soreness or mild fever, while serious reactions remain rare.
The discussion remained open and practical throughout, with questions answered using both clinical evidence and ethical reasoning. Organisers said the aim was to support informed decision-making and strengthen trust through clarity and respect.
For more information or to access the recording, visit aima.org.au or follow @aima_med on social media.
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