A new social media campaign has been launched which aims to debunk the fake news around the Covid-19 vaccine and encourage everyone who is invited for vaccination to take up the offer.

Featuring local people, NHS staff and community leaders who live and work in the Suffolk and North East Essex ICS area, the campaign shows individuals receiving the vaccination and highlights their reason for being vaccinated. 

Although overall the vaccination programme is progressing very well, there still exists reluctance among some members of our community to be vaccinated, with disinformation, especially on social media, causing some people to be anxious and fearful.

By showing ‘real people’ being vaccinated and their explanations of why the vaccine will make a big positive difference to their lives, it is hoped the campaign will help inspire confidence and dispel any doubts people may have.

David Akinsanya, Equalities Lead for the Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care System said: “Some communities are being bombarded with disinformation about the Covid-19 vaccination and we need to challenge that.

“This week the UK’s drug regulator declared that the Covid-19 vaccine is ‘extremely safe’ so we can be confident in urging people to avoid being duped by the inaccurate information that causes them to decline a vaccination.

“We want this campaign to highlight that the vaccine is safe and that by accepting the offer of vaccination it means we are all one step closer to getting our lives back to normal.”

Phanuel Mutumburi, Business & Operations Director, Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality, said: “The pandemic has caused disproportionate economic and social disruption in vulnerable communities and if the vaccine is our way out, then we need to provide reassurance to those who are hesitant and taking a ‘wait and see’ approach. We hope this campaign will provide the much-needed confidence as it led by local people who communities can identify with.”

Last Updated on 10 February 2021