The Vaccine Le Chéile campaign is a member/community response to research by Oxford-based research, OpenSAFELY, that has found lower vaccination rates of Irish people living in Britain in comparison to the majority of the British population.
The primary goal of ‘Vaccine Le Chéile’ is to provide Irish people living in Britain, particularly those who have yet to receive any doses of the vaccination, with evidence-based information to address misconceptions and questions. We want to enable informed positive decisions for self-care and care for others in their communities. The campaign will promote both the initial two COVID-19 vaccines as well as the booster shot to support the protection of Irish people and their networks in Britain.
OpenSAFELY data has highlighted lower vaccine uptake across all ages in the Irish community compared with the British population. As part of Irish in Britain’s commitment to community health the Vaccine Le Chéile/Together campaign is targeted and adaptable as a community resource to help raise the level of vaccine take up across England, Scotland and Wales.
There is also positive news from the research findings. A huge majority, nearly 90 percent, of Irish people aged over 80 living in England have received their booster vaccination to date.
Campaign resources
The campaign will be launched across social media and within our member organisations, supported with resource packs and materials to make this a community-led health initiative.
Vaccine Le Chéile will enable all those wishing to participate in many ways, including through an online workshop to brief membership organisations and stakeholders, access to COVID-19 vaccine support information and frequently asked questions. All of this information and more can be found HERE.
Brian Dalton, CEO Irish in Britain said
“The community alliance we represent has proven itself a powerful force to keep each other healthy and connected. The last 18 months has illustrated the power of community activism.
"We all now have a chance to play our part in positive action with this campaign, which was endorsed by our membership at our AGM in November."
If you would like more information, or would like to get involved in the campaign please contact health@irishinbritain.org
Go to the campaign resources page HERE.