A local faith leader from Huddersfield is joining health professionals to encourage people to attend their COVID-19 vaccine when invited.
Imam Umar Hayat, Imam of Ghausia Mosque, Lockwood is working with the community pharmacy led COVID-19 vaccination service in Honley. He met with volunteers to understand how together they can increase vaccine confidence among patients in black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups.
Imam Umar Hayat has recorded messages in Urdu explaining why it’s important to take up the offer when invited and has been sharing these messages as part of his weekly sermons.
Fahad Rehman, Pharmacist from Medicare Chemists who are providing the vaccination service in Honley in partnership with Honley Villiage Community Trust said: “I was talking to the Imam about why people, especially those from the BAME community, should get the vaccine and he said; ‘this is so important, how can I help?’
“Evidence shows that black, Asian and minority ethnic people are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 and the vaccine can reduce the chance of suffering. Having the support of our local faith leaders is essential as we want as many people to come and get the vaccine when invited.”
Vaccination rates across West Yorkshire have been praised. 89% of over 80s and 85% of all 75-79 year olds have now received the first does of the vaccine. But across the country there have been greater calls for people from the BAME community to get the vaccine. Actors Adil Ray and Meera Syal, cricketer Moeen Ali, comedian Romesh Ranganathan and other public figures have also appealed to the BAME community to take the vaccine.
Imam Umar Hayat said: “The vaccine is one of the best chances we have of keeping the Coronavirus under control and getting back to a normal way of life. The vaccine is safe and has been through all the necessary trials and checks.
“I would encourage all elders of our community to get the vaccine when invited. Other senior scholars have already had the vaccine and when the NHS contacts me, I will be getting the vaccine.”
The vaccination service at Honley Villiage Hall is one of three community pharmacy led services in Kirklees. There are also five GP led vaccination services across the district and the newly opened vaccination centre at the John Smith Stadium.
Steve Brennan, Senior Responsible Officer for the vaccination programme in Kirklees said: “We are really pleased to see health professionals at vaccination services in our area working with members of the local community and faith leaders to help address vaccine hesitancy. Together we can provide the facts and make sure that all members of our community have the information they need before getting their vaccine.”
People will be contacted by the NHS when it’s their turn to get the vaccine. There is no need to contact the NHS before.
