According to a poll conducted by British Red Cross, Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority Brits are nearly twice as likely to get information about the vaccine from friends and family; trust family more than any other source of vaccine information other than health professionals; and are much more likely to have discussed their decision about whether to have the vaccine with extended family. They are also much more likely to have seen or heard information encouraging them not to have the vaccine (62% compared to 42% of the national sample).
Professor Geeta Nargund, Vice-Chair of the British Red Cross and senior NHS consultant spoke exclusively to Asian Voice to further address the main talking points about the vaccine. |
Please explain to our readers about why the vaccine is essential and why they shouldn't believe in any misinformation around it.
We have seen in the UK and around the world that immunisation saves lives and we want to make sure that communities, particular those most at risk, have the facts they need to feel confident getting vaccinated. Some of the false information out there is very concerning and can understandably make many people feel anxious about the jab. It’s really important that you take the time to read and understand about the Covid-19 vaccines – then make an informed decision. For information you can trust, come to the British Red Cross website or look on the NHS or World Health Organisation websites.
How can the community come forward to help the NHS and the staff to make the vaccination drive smooth?
There are different ways you can help. You can help by having conversations with your friends and loved ones, so that people feel comfortable about getting the vaccine. You can help by challenging false information when you see it. You can help by volunteering - British Red Cross and other organisations are supporting NHS vaccination centres across the country, you can check the Red Cross website to see if there are any open opportunities, or check with local NHS volunteering websites.
Once the pandemic is over, what lessons must we as a community take away for the future?
We've learnt so much during this pandemic, about how important it is for us to support people in our communities. So I hope we keep that strong sense of local community, and continue to reach out to help each other. Thinking about how the pandemic has affected people particularly in South Asian communities, and other people of BAME backgrounds, it's clear that Covid has exposed the many overlapping factors that create health inequalities. Now that we have that momentum, that insight, we need to continue to address those issues.
What kind of help and assistance do NHS frontline warriors need from the BAME community in the new normal? Do doctors and staff have enough help and services to personally navigate through the pandemic?
It's been incredibly tough and challenging for NHS frontline staff, who have shown the utmost dedication in fighting this virus, and taking care of patients - and their families. They have been a lifeline, especially for families who couldn't visit loved ones, so they have been providing medical and pastoral care to an immense degree. I'd encourage anyone who can to get involved with volunteering to support the NHS, it's something practical that can make a difference. For example, Red Cross volunteers were there to help with things like taking personal possessions home to relatives, or making sure ward staff had food and drinks. Doing these things makes a difference to families, and hospital staff too. It doesn't stop when the pandemic ends, the help will always be needed. Red Cross also have volunteers who provide psychosocial support, so they're on the end of the phone - it's the kind of volunteering you can do from home and provide a listening ear for someone. We've provided this for NHS staff and for anyone affected by Covid-19.
