Local celebs back Sheffield covid vaccination campaign

NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has launched an online campaign to encourage everyone to have their covid vaccination.

The #Ihadmyvaccinationbecause video campaign has been backed by a number of local notable people who have recorded themselves explaining in their own words why they have had the vaccination.

Amongst those taking part in the campaign are, Big John from Hallam FM; Nancy Fielder, editor of The Star and football referee, Uri Rennie. Leaders at Sheffield City Council are also taking part with Chief Executive, Kate Josephs and Director of Public Health, Greg Fell recording videos.

Big John, from Hallam FM’s breakfast show, said: “I was more than excited to get my jab, I had no symptoms, no pain and I thoroughly recommend getting it. I had my vaccine for my mum who’s been unwell, I wanted to protect her and my family. Also, a good friend of mine got covid at the beginning of the year and she’s still suffering now from long covid, it’s been horrible to watch her go through it so it was a no brainer to have the vaccine.”

Other Sheffield residents have taken part in the campaign too. Joseph Curtis, who is in his 20s and had his vaccination due to his job, tells how the side effects were ‘no worse than a hangover’ and Pam Daniel, a community worker, explained how she had the vaccine as she was looking forward to getting back to normality again.

Kate Josephs, Chief Executive at Sheffield City Council, said: “I’ve had my vaccination because I really want to protect myself, my family, my community and because I really want to see the back of covid.”

If you live in Sheffield, have had your vaccine and want to take part in the video campaign, get in touch with the CCG on social media – Facebook @SheffieldCCG or Twitter @NHSSheffieldCCG, use #Ihadmyvaccinationbecause.

As well as local people, the campaign has backing from the leader of the Labour party, Keir Starmer, who took time out from a recent visit to vaccination centres in Sheffield to record a video and remind people of the importance of having the vaccine.

Alun Windle, Chief Nurse and Covid Vaccination Lead at NHS Sheffield CCG, said: “The covid vaccination programme is going well, 297K people have now had their first vaccine and 165K their second but we want to make sure this trend continues and encourage younger people to come forward for their vaccine when invited. Vaccines offer us the best chance of returning to normal life and relaxing lockdown restrictions for good, it’s vital we keep on vaccinating as many people as possible.”

People aged 34 and over are now being invited for vaccination, if you’re aged 34 and over and have yet to have your vaccination you can book online at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by contacting 119. For more information see here http://bit.ly/vaccinating18-49Sheffield.

If you’re aged over 50, have a long term condition or are a health and social care worker you can also contact your GP to book.

You can watch the videos from the campaign here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy6fhOS-1he0CAm6l4MmhltzpIpwIGePa.