Mayor sends out vaccine message to residents

Coun Eileen Taylor was on hand at the Woodhouse Medical Practice last Thursday doing her bit to boost what is the largest vaccination programme in the history of the NHS.

Although a huge city-wide effort has seen tens of thousands of people across Leeds receive their first dose of the vaccine, Public Health officials are keen to dispel any myths that might contribute to hesitancy among some residents to attend appointments.

After spending the day speaking to other volunteers and helping deliver vaccines, the Lord Mayor said she was keen to show her support and encourage residents from the city’s diverse communities not to miss their opportunity to be immunised.

She said: “I’m incredibly proud to have stood alongside other volunteers and medical professionals who are all playing their part in an extraordinary collective effort to help our city and our country emerge from this crisis.

“The vaccine represents our best and quickest route back to normality but to get there, it’s vitally important that as many people as possible take up the opportunity to get their jab and help keep themselves and others safe.

“We’re aware that there is some misinformation and misconceptions out there that could risk putting people in some communities off getting their vaccine.

“I’d urge anyone who is reluctant or unsure to visit the Leeds CCG website where there’s lots of reliable information from trained professionals and community leaders that will address any concerns or questions.”

The Lord Mayor was also joined at the medical practice by Coun Abigail Marshall-Katung, the council’s lead member for BAME.

Vaccination sites have been set up at venues across the city and about 100,000 people have receiving their first jabs.

The NHS is vaccinating people as quickly as possible and residents will be invited to make an appointment when it’s their turn.

Dr Jason Broch, GP and Clinical Chair for NHS Leeds CCG said: “We understand that some communities have specific concerns and may be more hesitant in taking the vaccine than others.

“The NHS is working collaboratively with partners to ensure vaccine messages reach as diverse an audience as possible and are tailored to meet their needs. This includes engagement with community and faith-led groups, charities and other voluntary organisations.”

Important advice around the vaccine also includes:

Please don’t contact the NHS to seek a vaccine, they will contact you.

When they do contact you, please attend your booked appointments.

Please continue to follow all the guidance to control the virus and save lives – if you’ve had the vaccine it’s really important that you continue to follow the guidance.

A comprehensive list of FAQs and information by community and faith leaders as well as healthcare professionals can be found at: www.leedsccg.nhs.uk/Covid-vaccine