One of Texas’ Largest Muslim Festival hosts AMTs Third COVID ‘Update, Educate, Vaccinate’ Event

AMT is continuing its crucial year-long campaign to spread awareness on COVID vaccines, speaking at one of Texas’ largest Muslim gatherings in Parker, north Dallas, earlier this month.

The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) welcomed almost twenty thousand Muslims to Southfork Ranch in the D-FW metroplex for the Dallas Muslim Festival (DMF). 

The annual gathering was back after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic. DMF highlights Muslim-owned businesses, encourages support for community non-profits as well brings the community together to foster relationships through family-friendly activities. 

AMT’s Community Health Education Director, Dr. Amir Khan, made an announcement on the main stage on the importance of staying updated on vaccines. 

“We have done very well on the vaccination front, but please keep up this momentum,” said Khan. “There are variants coming along, whether it be the BA.4 or five, we want to make sure you are double vaccinated.” 

In partnership with local health departments, Texas A&M and the CDC, AMT’s health experts are encouraging the community to factor in the vulnerable, especially the elderly, when considering whether or not to get vaccinated. 

Salba Firdaus who works in the field of public health tells AMT she and her family are vaccinated and she will vaccinate her son who turns five in December. 

“I would definitely say this would be good exposure for people to talk with their professionals in the field if they experience [COVID], it will help people become aware of the benefits of getting vaccinated,” said Firdaus. 

She adds that it is good for the public to be vaccinated as it will help slow the spread of COVID and its variants. 

Pharmacist Shaziya Barkat and her husband, who is a physician, say they have vaccinated their two-year-old child and advocate that everyone should feel safe getting the vaccine. 

“I think it’s very important, especially at a big event like this, where there are so many people just to remind us that even though it might seem like COVID is over, we still have to take our precautions.” 

Another eventgoer, Muhammad Ismail understood the importance of vaccines and the safety they provide for the whole community. Ismail says both he and his family are vaccinated.

“You cannot live without vaccines,” said Ismail. “They are very necessary so we can go out and socialize, and it is important for everyone to be aware.” 

Islamic Relief rep, Waleed Gabr, says he decided to get vaccinated because he travels for work.

“Some of my family didn’t get vaxxed, but it’s fine we’re still family,” he says with a smile. “But at the same time, it's a choice.”  

Gabr appreciates AMT using its resources to promote public health through education and information. He said,  “Anytime you have an opportunity to educate people and spread awareness, any platform is good.”  

Dallas-based artist Ruby Jaffrey says the elders in her family had reservations about getting vaccinated and how it might affect their health with their other prescription medications. 

“I was just thinking how a year ago this would never be happening, or there’s just no way people would be comfortable coming out in such big crowds, but it’s a thing of the past now. Having said that, it's very much an issue and people are still getting sick, so I think we need to remind ourselves of that, I think we still need to be careful. I highly recommend vaccinations.” 

As flu season approaches, it is recommended that everyone gets both the COVID and flu vaccines. Currently, the numbers of flu infections are reportedly low, although some states are reporting a high number of cases. 

Everyone six months and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. You can visit the CDC website for updates, vaccine locations, and FAQs.  

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