The short films, which are being shared across social media, include messages from Wolverhampton Wanderers Head Coach Nuno Espirito Santo, former senior police officer Keith Fraser, Pastor Derrick Campbell from the City of Zion Church, local GP Dr Amanda Chisholm and Wolverhampton born broadcaster Suzi Perry.
Everyone who filmed a video message got involved because they were concerned about the effect Covid-19 is having on local communities in Wolverhampton and wanted to encourage people across the city to have their jab when offered.
In the latest film, Dr Chisholm addresses 5 of the most common myths about the vaccine including safety, contents and fertility, and explains that the vaccine is “our best chance of fighting the pandemic and getting back to normal life.”
In other films, Mr Fraser, who is now Chair of the Youth Justice Board, talks about his personal experience of coronavirus, explaining how he has “seen first hand the impact that this terrible virus can have,” and why it is important to have the vaccine.
Pastor Campbell encourages people to “talk to the NHS, talk to your doctor” if they have any concerns about the vaccine and says, “when you get the call, take the jab.”
Wolves’ Head Coach Nuno talks about the importance of having the coronavirus vaccine: “I don’t have any kind of doubts about it. It is safe, it is approved. I am wishing everyone all over the world has it so we can move and travel and go back to seeing our families.”
Meanwhile Suzi, who had her vaccine at Aldersley Leisure Village recently, encourages everyone in the city to “get in with the pack” and have theirs too.
All of the films have been shared through the Wolverhampton Community Champions network and are available to view again on City of Wolverhampton Council’s YouTube channel.
John Denley, Wolverhampton’s Director of Public Health, said: “With myths and misinformation about the vaccine creating hesitancy it is important that people have access to the facts and can make informed decisions.
“Together, these short films have been widely viewed and shared. I hope everyone watching them will be reassured that the vaccine is safe and effective and will have theirs as soon as they can. It is important that we don’t let mistruths, myths or misinformation prevent people from having this life saving vaccination. The sooner we all do, the sooner we can start to return to a more normal way of life.”
The Wolverhampton Community Champions are a network of people with an interest or passion in their local community, working with the council and other local agencies to address vaccine myths and misinformation and encourage local uptake.
Community Champions have been helping to create and share information in a range of locally spoken languages, ensuring everyone has access to the facts. For more information visit Wolverhampton’s Community Champions
Latest figures show there were 61.6 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in Wolverhampton over the 7 days to 27 March. That means 162 people in the city tested positive for the virus in that 7 day period – though the true number of new cases will likely be higher.
