Have you had your COVID Vaccine?

There have been concerns from the Black and Asian Minority Community about the COVID Vaccine as a result the number of people in that community taking the vaccine are low. 

The NCAKM are encouraging more black people to take the vaccine and will be addressing a number of the concerns from the black community below.

The vaccination is safe and it reduces the risk of becoming seriously ill from Coronavirus for you, your family and your community. The Covid pandemic has affected people from BAME communities severely. It is important that everyone gets a vaccine if you are:

  • aged 50 or over
  • at high risk from coronavirus (clinically extremely vulnerable)
  • a frontline health or social care worker
  • have a condition that puts you at higher risk (clinically vulnerable)
  • have a learning disability
  • are a main carer for someone at high risk from coronavirus

The NCAKM recently held the ‘Let’s Get Vaccinated’ event with an amazing turn out of people in our community and experts from within our community as well.

Dr Wola Olarinmoye, a GP based in Temple Hill Surgery, Dartford, joined us to share the importance of taking the vaccine and how its a social responsibility. He addressed some of the concerns the black community have. 

He appealed with the black community to take the vaccine on the  Kent & Medway TV KMTV and you can watch it here; 

https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kmtv/video/dartford-gps-plea-to-black-communities-to-take-covid-jab-after-slow-uptake-33795/

Information derived indicates that Black and ethnic minority groups are more likely to have more deaths due to the coronavirus than white people. This shows us that we have more reason to take the vaccine to protect ourselves and our community.

There are a number of factors at present that affect the Black and Ethnic Minorities and the result is that we are the most likely people to suffer the effects of the virus and have had the highest deaths and contacts with the virus than other communities

The NCAKM is encouraging members of the black community to step out, book their vaccination and take it to save our lives and those of our family and friends. 

The vaccines have proven to be safe and has decreased the chances of those who have taken it to having COVID-19.

 

The President of NCAKM taking his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine

Watch NCAKM Member Lola Oyewusi taking the COVID Vaccine.

She shares some encouraging words to black and ethnic minorities to take the vaccine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do we know the vaccines are safe?  

There are two approved vaccines in the UK currently – the Pfizer/BioNTech and the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine. Both have been rigorously tested and approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Moderna is currently being trialled but is not available locally yet. 

 Have the vaccines been rushed through?

All the correct tests and checks were carried out. The process was shorter than it sometimes is for medicines development because many agencies, scientists and volunteers worked together and extra finances and expertise were pumped into the development.

Can people choose which vaccine to have?

At the moment no.  Both vaccines have been found to be safe. However you can discuss any concerns you have with your GP.

 Some people feel unwell after having the vaccine – should they have the second dose?

Some people do feel flu-like symptoms or some tiredness. These go away after a day or so. It is very important to have the second dose as it keeps you safer for a much longer period of time and makes you much more certain that you won’t get seriously ill from Covid-19.

 Does the vaccine affect fertility? 

No. The royal college of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has released a statement saying that the vaccine does not affect fertility. In the trials of the vaccines, several women went on to conceive children.

 Should people with allergies get the vaccine? 

Even if you have a food or a medicine allergy you should have it. Unless you are allergic to some of the components in the vaccine – which is very rare. Your GP will advise you. The vaccination centres contain all the equipment and expertise needed if someone does have a rare allergic reaction.

 Does the vaccine contain ingredients from animals or any alcohol? 

No – there are no animal products or alcohol in either the Pfizer/BioNTech or the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine. 

Some religious leaders say that the vaccine is the Mark of the Beast

The vaccine is delivered in the arm, not on the hand or the head. Getting the vaccine reduces your chances of getting Covid and reduces the risks for the people around you – its not compulsory, but it will help you and your community.

 Is there evidence that the vaccine reduces transmission?

The signs are good. Since the vaccination programme has started the numbers of people dying has gone down. For younger people it is important that we reduce the chances that we are healthy carriers of the virus –this will particularly help people who may be more at risk. 

 When will I get the vaccine?

At the moment we are vaccinating those over 50 and from priority groups. If you are eligible and haven’t booked a vaccine yet, please call your GP to book one. If you are under 50 you will get a letter or a text from your GP surgery or from the national service later this year. There is also a vaccination service at KICC on Sunday in Medway – there are some places still available.

 What happens after I have a vaccine?

The vaccine takes two to three weeks to achieve a 50% +  immunity. You still need to observe social distancing, hand washing and face covering. We need to make everyone safe before we lift all the restrictions in the UK.

To know more about the vaccine and if you have further questions, complete the contact form below and we will respond to your concerns.