It was announced this week that over 13mn people have been vaccinated against coronavirus - following an incredibly tough year, this remarkable national effort should bring us some relief. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, taking us ever closer to our end goal of beating coronavirus and getting back to normality.
With all the world’s top scientific and medical communities working on coronavirus vaccines, the speed of development has been impressive, and will be game changing, especially for the most vulnerable in society.
And now the NHS and thousands of volunteers are matching the pace of vaccine development by delivering a near seamless roll-out, working incredibly hard to make sure we get people vaccinated as quickly as possible.
With the support of Asian communities across the UK, this army of specially trained healthcare professionals and volunteers are setting up vaccination clinics in community centres and places of worship. This has enabled us to expand our capacity to deliver lifesaving jabs locally in environments where people, especially the vulnerable and elderly, feel comfortable and safe.
The Home Secretary Priti Patel visited Neasden Temple last week to see a large-scale testing and vaccination operation in action. It is truly inspiring to see communities coming together and playing their part in the vaccine roll-out.
At my end, I have seen just how hard volunteers, health officials and medics are working locally across East Surrey.
We’ve moved through the most vulnerable categories at speed, meaning over 70s are now being asked to get in touch with GPs to book their appointments directly. This is something I would urge everyone to do as soon as possible, particularly those from Asian communities given the higher reported mortality rates.
It is important though to remember that speed has not replaced safety at any point in the development or roll out of Covid vaccines. All vaccines must undergo rigorous trials and testing in order to be approved for use across the UK, and the rest of the world. Even those doses already approved for use by the MHRA are kept under constant review, and with 13m+ people now vaccinated in the UK, the evidence of safety is further strengthening.
As someone who is in a lower risk category, I still have some time to wait before I’m called to get the jab, but I am very much looking forward to that day, and the peace of mind it will bring. In the meantime, I am doing all I can to ensure and encourage my constituents to take the opportunity to receive theirs as soon as it comes, in order to protect themselves and those around them. My mum's a GP and she has been vaccinated, and so have other much-loved relatives who have been eligible.
However, the spread of false information is rife, particularly amongst some ethnic minority communities. That is why it is important now, more so than ever, to check and verify your sources. I have heard many stories of people being targeted through social media and WhatsApp videos touting dangerous and false messages about coronavirus and the vaccine.
If these messages are spread widely, the whole vaccination programme could be adversely impacted, and more importantly lives will be lost needlessly.
That is why if you do have questions it is vital you follow the NHS and government guidance, contact your GP or a healthcare professional - they will always have the most up-to-date information and can address any concerns you have.
Doing this will ensure that as we continue to roll out the vaccine, everyone will have access to the correct advice they need to dispel false information, get vaccinated and stay safe.
I know that being in lockdown has been tough to take for everybody. But the route out of lockdown restrictions is now firmly in our sights. If we hold tight and get our vaccination when we're called, we can look forward to the day when we can live our normal lives again. I for one can’t wait to see my friends and family and make up for this lost time.
