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Grassroots organisation creates film to combat misinformation about Covid-19 vaccine
Organisations representing the city’s young and older populations are working to address concerns and dispels myths about the Covid-19 vaccine.
Bristol Somali Youth Voice has created a film to tackle some of the barriers to healthcare and advice faced by some communities, especially more disadvantaged groups, and spread the word about the importance of getting vaccinated.
“Listening to the fear and concerns of the community around Covid-19 vaccine is vital,” says Mohamed A Sayaqle, chair of Bristol Somali Youth Voice and recent recipient of a Lord Mayor’s medal for his community work.
is needed now More than ever
“We need to understand and address the concerns that can prevent optimal uptake, build motivations into messaging, and prioritise public trust by informing and engaging the community in the process. Covid-19 has exposed structural and systematic inequalities in our society that existed before the pandemic, but the vaccine rollout is also amplifying health inequalities as well.”
Mohamed says using inclusive language about vaccinations is key to overcoming existing barriers and misinformation.
The Easton-based youth empowerment organisation is one of the many groups in Bristol working to tackle health inequalities and address concerns about the vaccine to encourage uptake among the city’s ethnically diverse communities.
Malcolm X Community Centre in St Paul’s has hosted a number of events to this end. There will also be a pop-up vaccination clinic in the community centre on Saturday, March 27 for those who are eligible and yet to receive their first dose.
Primrose Granville, the chair of Malcolm X Community Centre and BBC broadcaster, is one of a number of advocates to have spoken out about the need to share factual information about the vaccine.
Nationally, seven in ten eligible black older people have been vaccinated so far, and eight in ten eligible Asian people, according to data from Data drawn from OpenSAFELY weekly NHS Covid-19 Vaccine Coverage report. In comparison, nine in ten white eligible older people have been vaccinated.
Kay Libby, chief executive for Age UK Bristol, says this is a concern and is urging everyone who is eligible to have the vaccine.
“Getting vaccinated really is the best way to protect ourselves, our loved ones and the wider community from this horrible virus. We are getting more information all the time about just how effective these vaccines are in keeping people safe and well, and in stopping the spread, and it is all really encouraging.
“Many older people and families have had to live with the fear of contracting this virus or taking it home to their friends and relatives. After such a hard year, vaccination can start to lift that burden – but only if we take up the offer when it’s made to us.
“Everyone involved in the vaccination programme, plus your local GP and practice nurse, is there to answer any questions or talk about any worries you might have. When you receive your invitation from the NHS though I do urge you to make an appointment and go along.“
Main photo of Mohamed A Sayaqle of Bristol Somali Youth Voice – from Bristol Somali Youth Voice film
Read more: Covid-19 highlighted ‘existing inequalities’ for Bristol’s Somali community
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