Rt Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin has banded together to allay fears about vaccines in black and minority ethnic communities. She has urged the country to follow the example of the Queen, who was vaccinated on January 9. Ms. Hudson-Wilkin, who served as Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons before becoming Bishop of Dover, said: “When you are offered the chance to get your Covid vaccination, I want you to take it. in our black and ethnic minority communities that are causing doubt and alarm …
“These vaccines help us through the pandemic and give us hope, strength and the chance for safety. If the vaccine was good enough for Her Majesty, then it is good enough for us too.
The Bishop is part of the Give Hope campaign, which encourages people to talk to their neighbors about vaccines.
Pastor Agu Irukwu, who heads London’s mega-church Jesus House, said: “ Our message is to encourage our congregations to take the vaccines and provide information that provides comfort and answers the many questions, legitimate questions raised in number of cases. … We’ve certainly seen a shift as more and more people feel comfortable and, as a result, are willing to take the vaccine. “
The Royal Society for Public Health reported in December that 76 percent of the public would take a Covid-19 vaccine, but only 57 percent of those of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds would likely accept a shot.
Give Hope is an initiative of YourNeighbour, a movement of 1,100 churches started in response to the epidemic.
Co-founder Russ Rook said: “ By helping to communicate directly with hard-to-reach groups who may be missing, enabling clear and friendly conversations with some who are reluctant and providing practical support to those who need it, British churches play a crucial role. role in the recovery of our country from Covid-19. “