As people of faith, we are committed to the path of love for all human beings. During the pandemic, we have seen, and shared in, the pain of these unprecedented times. We have seen people die, be bereaved, struggle for life, lose jobs and livelihoods, and enduring separation from loved ones. Our healthcare workers and carers have worked to the point of exhaustion, made themselves vulnerable to infection, and some have died. These sacrifices and the suffering endured must never have been in vain.

Love for fellow human beings has exhibited itself in many ways, especially in the way vaccines have been developed, tested and approved, and people in our local communities, our friends and neighbours are now working hard to bring these vaccines to people so that the suffering can eventually end. They are bringing hope.

Sadly, there are those who are spreading rumours about the vaccines that are quite simply untrue, and demonstrably so. We cannot even begin to understand why people begin these rumours. We can only appeal to you that when you receive vaccine information, please check its truth very thoroughly before before passing it on. We believe that vaccine misinformation is, quite simply, a threat to life, a threat to future happiness, and a threat to people we love and care for. By accepting and passing on untrue information about vaccines, or refusing a vaccine for no good reason, you could make yourself responsible for someone’s death.

As you are aware the three vaccines approved so far by the UK authorities have undergone rigorous trials with thousands of individuals of all ages and ethnicities and no corners were cut in the process of checking and approval. The UK has already vaccinated nearly seven million people over the age of 70 with no known serious side effects. Therefore the evidence is clear that taking the vaccine is the right thing to do to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Watford Faith Leaders