Black and Asian leaders across Sutton have come together in a video to talk about the importance of taking the vaccine

In the video, leaders in the community including Rev. FR. Patrick Udotai of St. Elphege’s Catholic Church in Wallington, Dr Imran Choudhury Director of Public Health, Sutton Council, Dr Anu Jacob Clinical lead in Women's Health and Maternity Services, Sutton and Stephen Lambert a police officer at Sutton police station, call on everyone to take the vaccine offered by the NHS to all adults. 
 
In the video it is stressed that it is especially important for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities as they are more at risk of serious illness and are less likely to take up the offer of the vaccine.  
 
Dr Anu Jacob, Clinical lead in Women's Health and Maternity Services, Sutton said:
 
“I was proud to be a part of this video, which highlights the importance for everyone in our community of taking the vaccine. The vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect ourselves and others and reduce the spread of the virus. People within Black and Minority Ethnic communities have been less likely to take up the offer of the vaccine, which is why we have come together to reassure those who may have concerns about taking it. If you do have any concerns please do speak to your GP. I hope everyone will take the vaccine to protect themselves and their community.”   
 
Dr Imran Choudhury, Director of Public Health, Sutton Council said:
 
“As the final stages of the lockdown are lifted, it is really important that as many people in Sutton as possible are fully protected from the vaccine. The NHS teams have worked incredibly hard to vaccinate as many people as they can and have delivered an impressive  229,228 vaccines in Sutton so far. The vaccine is the safest way to protect us from the virus. I hope this video reassures people who may still have concerns about the vaccine and encourages them to step forward and take it up.”
 
For more information on the vaccine including how to book visit nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119.