Getting the jab done – campaign encourages community to play their part

Blackburn with Darwen Council have launched a new campaign encouraging people to join the thousands across the borough who have already had their Coronavirus vaccinations.

The stars of the campaign, who all live or work in the borough, share their reasons for getting vaccinated.

The Covid vaccination campaign, which will be promoted through print and digital channels, builds on the Council’s recent video content featuring the individuals.

Megan Longworth, who works as a Community Connector and Home First Support Worker in Adult Social Services, said she has joined the thousands across the borough who have already attended a vaccination appointment to help Blackburn with Darwen get back to ‘normal’.

Community minded Mohamed Yusuf Lorgat, who works as a Programme Leader at Blackburn College as well as a fire service marshall and volunteer, has had both of his jabs. He said:

I got vaccinated to look after the community and for the safety of the people around me.

Jodie Beck, Safeguarding Officer Apprentice at Blackburn with Darwen Council, is encouraging young people to follow in her footsteps and take up the offer of the vaccination as soon as it’s available to them. She said:

I got the vaccine so I can protect the vulnerable adults around me.

After testing positive for Covid-19 last autumn, Project Manager for Social Integration Mohamed Sidat got vaccinated to protect his friends, family and the vulnerable.

Billy Briggs, a grave digger based at Pleasington Crematorium, said he got vaccinated to protect everyone he comes into contact with.

Meanwhile, Sophiya Patel, Registered Manager at Homecare for you in Blackburn, has also had her first dose. Sophiya said:

I got vaccinated because I have lost someone close to me to Covid-19.

The campaign was praised by Dominic Harrison, the Director of Public Health for Blackburn with Darwen Council. He said:

Blackburn with Darwen has been hit hard with the number of cases of Covid-19. Vaccinations will help our borough to control this virus and its variants, so we are strongly urging people of all ages and backgrounds to have their vaccinations as soon as they are invited to.

It’s also crucial that people ensure they get their second jab for maximum effect and to play their part in helping our borough turn the corner.

Councillor Mohammed Khan, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

The vaccination is the best route out of this crisis. Everyone – residents and businesses – has suffered terribly from the impact of Covid and we want to get back to some semblance of normality as quickly as possible.

All evidence shows how much protection two jabs gives people so it important to remember to get the second dose when you are able to.

From today, the NHS is offering Covid vaccinations to 23 and 24 year olds. Find out more and book online at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/.

More information about Covid vaccinations in Blackburn with Darwen is available at www.blackburn.gov.uk/coronavirus/vaccination-programme.