Wakefield funeral director thanks NHS and urges BAME communities to accept Covid vaccine 'for your own safety'

Staff at a Wakefield funeral home have thanked NHS staff who helped them organise their Covid vaccinations,and urged all members of the district's BAME communities to get vaccinated. Photos: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images, Sajid Hussain

Sajid Hussain, chairman of the Wakefield Muslim Funeral Service, also urged all members of the district’s BAME communities to accept the vaccine if offered.

Concerns have been raised about low vaccine take up in these communities, in part thanks to misinformation spreading on social media.

Mr Hussain said: “There have been a lot of deaths during this pandemic first and second wave.

"Our volunteers and workers have really done a great job as front-line workers to help bury the deceased both Covid and non-Covid deaths.

“Now vaccine has really provided a hope to the nation as a way out of the pandemic.

“We were reluctant and unaware of the eligibility and availability of the vaccine to our workers.

“Our local GPs have helped us to clarify some misconceptions about the vaccine. We encourage our funeral workers and BAME community members to come forward and accept the vaccine.

“This is really important for your own safety and safety of others around you. There is no evidence that any non-halal contents in it.”

Mr Hussain, who also serves as chairman of the Jamia Masjid Swafia Mosque, thanked NHS Wakefield CCG for helping to organise vaccine appointments for funeral staff.