Mayor steps forward to get her jab
A COMMUNITY leader working to defeat ‘anti-vax’ conspiracy theories and scepticism says he is heartened by the high levels of take-up of the jab.
Munsif Dad BEM, a borough and county councillor as well as chairperson of Hyndburn’s Community Action Network, was invited to the Acorn Primary Health Care Centre in Accrington last week to witness the vaccination process.
It’s understood that more than 90 per cent of over-80s are accepting invitations to receive the vaccine, and Coun Dad said huge efforts are being made locally across the political spectrum to engage with ‘hard to reach’ groups, including some ethnic minority communities who are more likely to decline it.
Coun Dad said Dr Fiona Ford, clinical director for Hyndburn Central Primary Care Network, had advised him take-up was “good”.
“I’m glad to see that a lot of people - especially the over-80s - have taken up the opportunity for vaccination,” he said.
“There are still people through social media and various other platforms, who are getting some misinformation and mixed messages. You always get conspiracy theories or myths, but where there are lives at stake I think those people should be ashamed.”
Last week we reported that Hyndburn council has been allocated £492,870 from the Community Champions Fund to help boost Covid-19 vaccination rates and tackle misinformation.
The council said the funding would go on various campaigns to increase engagement with key groups - most of whom are also at an increased risk of contracting severe symptoms or dying from the virus. These include Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, young people, older adults, homeless people and those with additional needs or disabilities.
“We have received some additional support from the government, “said Coun Dad.
“We have done a video which encourages people to actually go and have their injections done when invited.
“The BME community is hard to reach, but we are looking to engage with them. They are living in a very deprived areas, in some cases, and are closely knit. They live in the same household. I’m a grandfather and my family live with me. This is where the [increased] death toll has happened.
“I was told that the BME uptake is getting there - although we are working hard to make sure our communities’ concerns are answered before they go and get vaccinated. Through the media our faith leaders have answered every concern.” He added: “I will personally be taking up the vaccine when my turn comes and will be encouraging others to do the same. That will protect them, their families and the communities they represent.”
Hyndburn council has released a short video guide of the vaccination process on its Facebook page, and also showed the
Mayor of Hyndburn getting her jab.