A FORMER mayor of Thurrock, Tunde Ojetola, is adding his voice to the call for black and minority ethnic group residents of Thurrock to respond and receive the Covid vaccine jab when asked to do so.

There has been a lot of speculation in the press that black and minority ethnic (BME) residents will not receive the jab due to rumours circulated on social media. Some of the oft-quoted concerns that have been raised include Luciferase enzyme and its role in vaccine manufacturing, use of aborted fetal cells in vaccine, conspiracy theories about Bill Gates, that the vaccine was manufactured too quickly, microchip insertion, vaccine affecting fertility and the '666' mark of the beast, among others.

He saidL "I have not found any truth to these rumours. I have had the vaccine and feel none of the rumoured side effects. Both my mum and in-laws too have had the vaccine and are ok. The key thing is that people have to decide for themselves rather than rely on social media gossip. I commend all the friendly and professional staff at Orsett Hospital that put my mind at ease while receiving the jab."

Thurrock BME Group is working with the council and Thurrock Community Volunter Service to help provide an avenue for BME residents to listen to the facts about the vaccine and raise any concerns they may have.

Thurrock BME is a group set up to represent the views of the BME community in Thurrock. For more information about the organisation click here or via email at [email protected]).