The government and religious leaders have united in the national effort to revive the country following an increase in Omicron cases.

The campaign is supported by religious leaders, including members of the Prime Minister’s Places of Worship Task Force, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sheikh Nuru Mohammed, and the General Secretary of the Hindu Council.

Faith Minister Kemi Badenoch was meeting today (December 17, 2021) with religious leaders to thank them for their work so far and to seek their urgent support to increase the use of boosters.

Religious leaders – who are the backbone of many communities across the country – have played a vital role throughout the pandemic, from supporting the vaccination campaign, to ensuring that people practice their faith safely and even to the adaptation of places of worship into pop-up soup kitchens. and food banks.

As the number of the new variant continues to grow at an alarming rate, the government today partnered with religious leaders to help spread the message that booster shots are essential in our fight against the virus.

At a summit alongside senior NHS officials, Kemi Badenoch today presented the government’s response to the latest variant and highlighted areas where support from religious leaders will be most welcome.

Vaccines have saved countless lives and continue to be our best way to protect against COVID-19 – and have helped in recent months to bring communities together. The UK has one of the highest adoption rates in the world, with over 85% of adults having suffered a double hit so far, allowing people to come together in places of worship to practice their faith safe.

However, data shows that people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are currently less likely to get the vaccine, and we need everyone from all walks of life to do their part.

Health and Social Affairs Secretary Sajid Javid said:

Local religious and community leaders have played a critical role in supporting the COVID-19 vaccination program from the very beginning. Thank you to everyone who unites behind this national mission, spreads the word about the life-saving benefits of vaccines, and encourages people to roll up their sleeves and get energized now.

We work with the NHS to provide advice and information at every opportunity on how to get a vaccine and the protection it offers. Today’s discussion with religious leaders is another opportunity to listen to views from across the country and join forces to move forward in the race against the Omicron variant.

It’s never too late to get vaccinated, whether it’s the first, second or third. Please introduce yourself and be protected for yourself, your family and your community. “

Faith Minister Kemi Badenoch said:

More than 25 million people have already received their booster shots, helping to protect themselves, their friends and family this winter, but we need everyone in every community to step up to get ahead of this virus.

That is why I have joined with leaders of all major faiths in calling on people of all faiths to come forward and support this huge national effort.

Vaccines are our best defense against Omicron – so I urge faith communities, and everyone, to register today and join the national fight against this virus. “

All eligible adults over the age of 18 can get their vital booster injection at a walk-in vaccination center or book online through the National Reservation Service following program updates this week.

A total of 750 troops have been enlisted to support the booster vaccine deployment across the UK, while tens of thousands of volunteers have rallied to support the national mission. Supplementary vaccination centers and pop-up sites have also opened to make it as easy as possible to vaccinate people.

Vaccines are the best way to protect people against COVID-19 and data from the UK Health Security Agency shows that a booster vaccine supplements protection against symptomatic infection of the Omicron variant by around 70%.

The government is doing everything possible to spread this message, including through regular meetings with local authorities, religious leaders and organizations that represent ethnic minority communities to provide advice and information on COVID-19 vaccines.

Together with the NHS and UKHSA, the Department of Health and Welfare provides advice and information at every opportunity to support those getting vaccinated and anyone who may have questions about the vaccination process.

If you have not yet received your first or second dose, it is never too late – vaccines reduce your risk of hospitalization and death.

Whatever your faith or background, join the national effort and get the protection you need now.