A Dartford GP has explained why those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities should not hesitate to take the Covid-19 vaccine when invited.
As part of NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group’s work to increase the uptake of the vaccine amongst groups where it has been lower, GP Principal and Trainer at Temple Hill Surgery Dr Wole Olarinmoye has taken time out of his clinics to answer the public’s questions.
Dr Olarinmoye recently gave a presentation to members of the Nigerian Community Association Kent and Medway but wanted to be able to spread the message about the Covid-19 vaccine further.
Dr Olarinmoye said: “When I was speaking to members of the Nigerian Association I realised that many of the concerns the group had were common amongst other communities. People are concerned about the speed with which the vaccine was developed, whether it contains alcohol, if it affects fertility and ultimately whether it is safe.
“I would like to assure everyone that the approved Covid-19 vaccines have been through all the clinical trials and safety checks that all other licensed medicines go through. Getting the vaccine is the best way to combat coronavirus and for us all to get back to our normal lives.”
As well as giving presentations, Dr Olarinmoye answered questions from the community in the video that can be seen below.
He also teamed up with NHS Kent and Medway’s Clinical Chair Dr Navin Kumta to take part in a live interview on Kent Live’s Facebook page. The question and answer session aimed to address vaccine hesitancy in Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities and can be seen here.
For more information on the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Kent and Medway, visit kentandmedwayccg.nhs.uk/covid19vaccine