Health professionals from Leeds are running a Facebook Live session about the COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday 20 February, from 2-3pm on NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG) Facebook page www.facebook.com/nhsleeds
The diverse panel will see four GPs in Leeds and a public health expert from the city help provide clear information on the vaccination programme. They will be on hand to answer any questions that people may have so that people can make an informed decision on the vaccine when they are invited to attend an appointment.
Dr Mohammed Sattar, GP in Leeds and one of the panel members, said: “We know that some people have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and there are some who are still hesitant on having the vaccine. There’s also a lot of misinformation about the vaccine on social media and other sources, and people aren’t sure what to believe as the information can be overwhelming for them. We’re hoping that by having this session we will be able to provide clear and trusted information on the vaccination programme from local health experts.
“In national media we’ve heard that people from BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) communities are more hesitant on taking up their invite for the vaccine, and there are a number of factors leading to this. Some of these include side effects, ingredients in the vaccine, how the vaccine was developed so quick, and concerns around fertility. We want give people in our communities that reassurance on the safety of the vaccine, and we’re hoping that by having this session we will be able to put people at ease. Having the vaccine will not only protect the individual but it will also protect their loved ones and their community.”
Lucy Jackson, Chief Officer and Consultant in Public Health at Leeds City Council, who is also one of the panel members, said: “We also want people to still continue with the guidelines, even when they’ve had the vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine should protect you from becoming sick, but it won’t completely stop you from infecting other people. So, it is important that you continue to remember hands, face, space. Wash your hands, cover your face and keep your distance from people. During the winter when people tend to spend more time indoors, it is a good idea to have a flow of air, for example by opening windows for short, sharp bursts of 10 to 15 minutes regularly throughout the day.
“The Facebook Live session is an opportunity for people learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and they can also submit their questions to the panel in advance or on the day of the live session. I would strongly encourage Leeds residents to join the session, we can only overcome misinformation about vaccine if we hear the truth from health experts who will give advice in line with the current government guidelines.”
NHS Leeds CCG website (www.leedsccg.nhs.uk/covid-vaccine) which has a wealth of resources for local communities about the vaccine, this includes stories and blogs from community leaders and faith leaders, information which people can trust and share.
The panel for the session is as below.
- Dr Amal Paul, GP in Leeds
- Dr Julie Duodu, GP in Leeds
- Lucy Jackson, Chief Officer and Consultant in Public Health
- Dr Mohammed Sattar, GP in Leeds
- Dr Nadia Anderson, GP in Leeds
A recording of the session will be made available on the Facebook page, giving people a chance to listen back at a time of their choosing. To submit a question in advance please email leedsccg.comms@nhs.net
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Issued by the communications team at NHS Leeds CCG. You can contact the team on 0113 84 35528 or 0113 84 35470. Alternatively please email leedsccg.comms@nhs.net