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 The Office for National Statistics said on Monday that while overall
more than 90% of those aged over 70 had received their first vaccine
shot, take up rates among people identifying as Black African and
Black Caribbean were just 58.8% and 68.7% respectively.
Hollywood stars Chiwetel Ejiofor and Thandie Newton joined actor and
comedian Lenny Henry, a household name in Britain, in signing an
open letter encouraging those in the Black community to get a shot.
David Harewood, who appeared in hit TV show "Homeland", Adjoa Andoh,
one of the stars of the Netlix series "Bridgerton", and "Star Wars"
actress Naomie Ackie have also teamed up with Henry for a short film
to be broadcast on television.
"I hear and understand the concerns which people of all backgrounds
are wrestling with, but which are particularly concerning in Black
communities," Henry said.
"I want people to be safe, I don't want people to die or end up in
hospital because of COVID-19. So I’m saying, when your turn comes,
take the jab."
Overall more than 30 million people in Britain have so far received
their first COVID-19 shot.
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 However, ONS figures showed
that 85% of White Britons reported they were
likely to get the shot compared to fewer than
half, 49%, of Black or Black British adults,
even though death rates have been significantly
higher in Black communities.
Polls have shown a hesitancy among Black and
other ethnic minority communities to have a
vaccine, fuelled in part by myths and
misinformation on social media.
"You have legitimate worries and concerns, we
hear that. We know change needs to happen and
that it's hard to trust some institutions and
authorities," Henry said.
"Don't let your understandable fears be what
holds you back. Don't let your concerns be the
thing that widens racial inequality in our
society. Don't let Black people continue to be
disproportionately impacted by this terrible
disease."
(Reporting by Michael Holden and Guy
Faulconbridge; Editing by Catherine Evans)
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