Sir Lenny Henry urges black Britons to take the Covid-19 vaccine in an open letter.
The comedian and actor said people should “trust the facts” and guard against misinformation. The letter has been signed by other celebrity personalities.
This letter has come at the right time because vaccination rates among black Britons are considerably lower than among white Britons.
Why do black Britons NEED the jab
According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, vaccination rates for people in England identifying as having black African heritage stand at 58.8%. This is the lowest among all ethnic minority groups, with 68.7% within the black Caribbean community.
By ethnic minority in England
- 58.8%people identifying as black African
- 68.7%among black Caribbeans
- 91.3%people identifying as white
Source: ONS
Despite reports showing that black people are twice as likely as white people to catch coronavirus, there still seems to be reluctance.
The reporter asked Sir Lenny Henry if he could shine a light on this reluctance, he said there was an “element of mistrust”.
He said people felt “certain institutions and authorities haven’t particularly done right by the black community in the past”. Because of this, they asked “why should they do something for us now? Why are they doing us all a big favour?”
Addressing the letter to “mums, dads, grandparents, uncles, aunties, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, daughters, sons and cousins”, recognises these historic “legitimate worries and concerns”.
But adds: “We’re asking you to trust the facts about the vaccine from our own professors, doctors, scientists involved in the vaccine’s development, GPs, not only in the UK but across the world, including the Caribbean and Africa.”
What’s next for the Covid 19 appeal?
This appeal has also been turned into a short film, directed by Amma Asante, who told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme:
“The most important thing for us was to put across a message that for all the divisions that exist. We deserve to be protected, our loved ones deserve to be protected. We don’t want to widen divisions and equalities that exist.”
Sir Lenny told BBC Breakfast:
“It came together really quickly – within a couple of weeks we were making the film. People were all over the place. We all managed to make this little film with Amma directing us remotely.”
He described the film, which has a personal feel with the focus on family and friends, as “very moving”.
Other high profile signatories include author Malorie Blackman, DJ Trevor Nelson, historian David Olusoga and actors Adrian Lester, Naomi Ackie and David Harewood.
It’s safe, it’s our way out of the pandemic,” Sir Lenny said. “If you’re in any way hesitant, talk to a medical professional… trust the experts, don’t trust your mate down the pub or conspiracies online. This is serious now.
“Perhaps after there’ll be an opportunity to rebuild our trust in authority and institutions but for now… take the jab.
Has Sir Lenny Henry had the Covid 19 jab?
The comedian has had the jab, reflecting on his experience in a hope to calm nerves.
“I did find it emotional,” he said. “Because of lockdown, I’ve not been out very often, I talked to this poor doctor there for ages. They were like, ‘The jab happened 10 minutes ago, can you leave now!'”
He added: “The staff are so brilliant, they explain things, they want you to feel comfortable. They’re really good people. Any trepidation is misinformed. It’s over so quickly, it doesn’t hurt, it’s a cool thing to do.”
The Comic Relief co-founder also used the launch of the letter to address government intervention.
We’re all in the Covid 19 battle together
Sir Lenny told the Press Association:
“They waited and that’s why we’re in this terrible situation, so it’s a bit ironic to accuse the black community of hesitating.
“There are mitigating circumstances to the trust and the lack of take-up… We’re doing our bit to do that and perhaps the government needs to do the same too.
“My thing is, we’re all in this together. Black, white, Asian, whatever, we’re all in it together. We all want our families and our loved ones to survive.”
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