Bishop urges people to get vaccinated as soon as possible
The Bishop of Lichfield has joined with church leaders across the country to urge people to take the Covid-19 vaccination when offered it.
Dr. Michael Ipgrave shared a video message about the vaccine where he encouraged people to seek correct advice and not be put off by misinformation.
He was speaking as part of the NHS-backed #GiveHope campaign, which has has seen the likes of Bishop of Dudley Martin Gorick and the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell record messages about the campaign.
Dr. Ipgrave said that Covid had turned the world upside down, taken too many loved ones and exploited the existing inequalities in society. He stressed he would be getting vaccinated as soon as possible.
He said: "We have to do everything in our power to give hope and to stop Covid and one thing we can all do is ensure that we take the vaccine when we are offered it.
"This is one of the best and fastest routes out of this terrible pandemic and by taking the vaccine, we hasten the day when we can be together again."
The #GiveHope campaign started in response to people voicing mistrust about he vaccine and fears that people in younger age-groups may be less likely to take up the vaccine than the groups targeted so far.
Dr. Ipgrave said he understood that some people had fears and anxieties and encouraged people to speak to their GP if still concerned.
He said: "We understand that Covid vaccines are new and some people have questions, but the vaccines have been robustly tested by some of the world's best scientists and healthcare experts.
"If you have concerns, please don't just refuse the vaccine. Speak to a healthcare professional or find your GP or pharmacist.
"When it comes to my turn, I certainly will be taking it, so let's work together and beat this virus."
