A group of Asian and other ethnic celebrities have come together on film to dispel popular myths about the coronavirus vaccines and to call for all British minorities to have the inoculation. "We will find our way through this and we will be united once again with our friends and families," former <em>Coronation Street </em>actress Shobna Gulati says on the video. “All we have to do is take the vaccination.” Gulati is followed by English international cricketer Moeen Ali who says: “Many in our community have suffered the most largely due to our efforts on the front line at the NHS or as key workers.” London Mayor Sadiq Khan also appears on the video. “Today those doctors and nurses have found us a way forward – a Covid vaccine that is safe and will help save lives,” Mr Khan says. British journalist and writer Rageh Omaar addresses one myth that you could develop Covid-19 symptoms from the vaccine. “It’s important to understand that the vaccine does not contain the live virus itself, only harmless elements of it,” Omaar says. “Taking the vaccine is the only way to boost the immunity against Covid for you and your loved ones.” Actor Sanjeev Bhaskar also addressed concerns over the testing of the vaccines. “The Covid-19 vaccines have gone through the same strict processes and regulations as other vaccines, such as for measles, mumps, rubella and TB,” Bhaskar says. Atand-up comedian Romesh Ranganathan says: “There is no chip or tracker in the vaccine to keep watching where you go. Your mobile phone actually does a much better job of that." The video then shows all of the celebrities naming those in their family who had already received the vaccine. Former <em>EastEnders</em> actress Nina Wadia stresses the importance of having the vaccine in concluding the video. “Not only will you be saving your life, you will be saving other lives too, and there can be no better gift,” Wadia says. It is hoped that the video will help to negate many of the rumours and misinformation surrounding the virus and encourage people from ethnic minority backgrounds to have the vaccine. Minority populations have been shown to be most at risk of death if they contract coronavirus.
