BLACKBIRD LEYS residents are being urged to go and get their vaccine to protect against coronavirus if they are eligible.

One parish councillor, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “It is very important to support the NHS and the vaccination campaign.

“It is the only way out of this very worrying emergency that we are living in.”

It comes as the area was shown to be a coronavirus hotspot according to data from the Government's Covid dashboard.

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Earlier this week it was announced that anyone age 70 and over who has not been vaccinated yet should contact the NHS by booking online or calling the 119 free of charge so they can receive their vaccine.

The councillor added: “The good thing is that we have the vaccine and at least it will prevent the Leys residents suffering from more dangerous effects of coronavirus.

“We need to fight fake news and WhatsApp messages not based on science that increase our residents' anxiety.”

This Saturday, the Oxford Community Action group will be hosting an online event to help inform people about the vaccine and answer questions about it.

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The event, called ‘Unsure about getting vaccinated?’ will allow residents to ask black, Asian, and other minority ethnic healthcare workers who have had the vaccine questions about their experiences.

It aims to help tackle distrust of the vaccine among those communities.

The online event invitation says: “We will create space for you to ask questions to respected healthcare professionals and to hear from community members who have received the vaccine about their experiences. Bring your friends, family, questions, and concerns.”

For more information about the event visit www.facebook.com/oxfordcommunityaction

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