Sporting heroes from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities have collaborated with the British Red Cross in new film to encourage people to have the Covid-19 vaccine. Rugby legend Jason Robinson kicks off the new film, with Aston Villa's Neil Taylor, Paralympian Ade Adepitan, TV broadcaster Reshmin Chowdhury, Cricket star Monty Panesar and sprinter, and Olympic hopeful Imani Lansiquot.
The film supports recent research from the British Red Cross that explores the issue of vaccine hesitancy among BAME communities in the UK. It suggests family conversations could be key in increasing vaccine uptake.
According to the poll, Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority Brits are nearly twice as likely to get information about the vaccine from friends and family; trust family more than any other source of vaccine information other than health professionals; and are much more likely to have discussed their decision about whether to have the vaccine with extended family. They are also much more likely to have seen or heard information encouraging them not to have the vaccine (62% compared to 42% of the national sample).
The British Red Cross says that given the significant role families could play in decisions around having the jab, it is vital people are equipped with facts and information to have informed conversations. The charity says that having an informed conversation with your family about the vaccine is a kind thing to do, that can save lives. Earlier this month, the charity released a film, featuring real-life family conversations about getting vaccinated.
