Our pharmacist Salwan Al-Biatty was recently featured in LeedsLive for his contributions to local Covid-19 vaccination efforts!
Harehills South has the lowest vaccine uptake of the entire country for first jabs, second jabs, and booster jabs. As of writing, only 38% of people in Harehills South have had their first jab, compared to 77% in the greater Leeds area.
It is therefore unsurprising that Covid-19 case rates in Harehills South are so high. As of writing, 1,067 cases (per 100,000 people) have been recorded over the last seven days – higher than the national average of 938.
Much of this vaccine hesitancy comes from rampant disinformation surrounding the Covid-19 vaccine, and vaccines in general. Many people do not understand how they work, and that the fear mongering surrounding them is just that.
Salwan spoke of an experience he had with a cautious patient: “I did a vaccine recently and the man – he was actually being genuine – he was scared and asked: ‘Am I gonna die?’ I mentioned to him that I’ve had the vaccine and it’s all safe. I explained to him exactly what it is. He was reassured, so we did the vaccine and he went away happy. All it takes is someone just to speak to them.”
Thanks to the efforts of Salwan, and all healthcare professionals doing the work, vaccine hesitancy can be diminished. The best way to combat disinformation is by communicating the truth compassionately and articulately.
Leeds City Council is also encouraging the local community to get vaccinated by deploying mobile vaccination units to make the process more convenient.
Only time will tell if these efforts are enough to increase vaccination rates in Harehills, but we are incredibly proud of Salwan and all our healthcare staff for the life-saving work they are doing.
Click here to read Salwan’s article in LeedsLive.
To book your Covid-19 vaccination, visit the National Booking Service or call 119.
