Community figures across Kingston come together to urge people to get the vaccine

In the newly released video, community leaders such as John Azah, Chief Executive Officer at Kingston Race and Equalities Council, and Councillor Jaesung Ha tackle some of the key myths around the vaccine, and urge people to take the vaccine when it is offered.

It comes ahead of a ‘Let’s Talk About Vaccines’ event in which public health experts will come together to answer questions on the importance of vaccinations in Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, on the 4th March.

The event, in partnership with Kingston Race and Equalities Council, will see Iona Lidington, the Director of Public Health at Kingston Council, along with GP and CCG Lead Naz Jivani and Theatre Manager at Kingston Hospital Ruth Pombi talk about the role of vaccinations in our communities to keep everybody safe.

The event will then be livestreamed on Kingston Council’s YouTube Channel.

Many of the participants in the video come from the Kingston Community Vaccine Champions group, which includes figures from all across our diverse range of communities, who hope to encourage uptake in the vaccine and, in turn, save lives.

The group includes faith leaders, Councillors and members of the community sector.

In the video, the group said:

“We know it has been a tough year. Many in our communities have suffered, lost loved ones, and put themselves at risk on the frontline in the NHS and elsewhere. 

"We will find our way through this, and be reunited with our friends and families. But we need your help.

"The coronavirus vaccine is our best chance of returning to normality. By taking the vaccine, you are protecting your own life, and the life of everyone around you.”

Cllr Thay Thayalan, BAME Champion at Kingston Council and Community Champion, said:

“I got the vaccine as I believe it’s a really important step in protecting myself, others, and getting back to normal life.”

“By taking the vaccine myself, I want to lead by example as a Councillor and Communities Champion to encourage everybody to take it.”

“I would like to encourage our community to play our part to support the vaccination programme, so that the country can get back to normal.”

You can watch the video at the top of the page.