People from ethnic minority groups in the east of England are being urged to get their flu and Covid vaccinations in a series of videos produced by local pharmacists in languages commonly spoken in the region.

In 13 different languages including Urdu, Polish and Arabic, the pharmacists explain the benefits of the vaccinations, and how to book a vaccination appointment.

The videos will be promoted on social media platforms, GP websites and through community groups.

Sarah Cavanagh, the lead pharmacist for the NHS’s vaccination programme in the east of England said:

“The NHS wants everyone entitled to their free Covid and flu vaccinations to get vaccinated, and pharmacists are promoting the vaccine in a range of community languages aimed at the many different community groups living in the east of England.

“People who don’t have English as their first language may struggle to understand the information they see about the benefits of getting their Covid and flu vaccines.

“Local pharmacists have recorded short messages in their own community languages that explain why people should get vaccinated, and how to book an appointment.

“We hope these video messages will increase accessibility of vaccine information and make the vaccine offer more inclusive.

“More than one million people have already come forward to get their autumn Covid booster in the east of England region, and these videos will help ensure that everyone entitled to vaccinations will get the extra protection from Covid and flu.

“Every vaccination helps protect the person, their family and friends from Covid, and reduces the risk of this terrible virus spreading.”

For more information and details of how to book your vaccinations please visit the nhs.uk website.

The videos can be viewed on the NHS England East of England’s dedicated YouTube channel.