The booster vaccination program is planned to start in early January 2022.
"Indonesian Muslims' rights must be fully protected. Moreover, there is currently a COVID-19 vaccine that already has a halal certificate," said Lena in a written statement released here on Saturday.
He issued the statement in response to an appeal from the general chairperson of the PBNU (Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama), KH Said Aqil Siradj, to Muslims to start using halal vaccines.
The appeal followed the issuance of a certification by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) for COVID-19 vaccines.
There are currently two vaccines—Sinovac and Zifivax—that have received a 100-percent halal and clean certificate from the MUI, Lena said.
Related news: Ministry submits halal certificate for Sinovac vaccine to Bio Farma
The two vaccine brands have also obtained an emergency-use authorization (EUA) from the Indonesian Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) and passed clinical trials for the booster vaccine, he noted.
"These two vaccines can also be produced domestically: Sinovac could be produced at the Biofarma Factory, with a capacity of 240 million doses per year, and Zifivax could be produced at PT Biotis Pharmaceuticals Indonesia, with a production capacity of 360 million doses per year," Lena said.
The House member further said that the government could meet the vaccine needs of the country by using these two brands if it wanted to optimize the use of halal vaccines.
The need for booster vaccines for the community can also be fulfilled with the Nusantara and the Merah Putih vaccines, he added.
"Those halal imported vaccines and domestically made vaccines can be used by all people. Meanwhile, other non-halal brands of COVID-19 vaccines can be used by non-Muslims," he said.
The use of halal vaccines for the Muslim community needs to be pursued so that it does not cause anxiety in the community, he explained.
Related news: Ulema Council confirms halal status of Sinovac vaccine
Translator: Katriana
Editor: Suharto
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