University News Last updated 24 June 2021
With the Covid vaccine available to all adults in England, Birmingham City University Chancellor Sir Lenny Henry has urged all staff and students to book their appointments and help protect their community.
In March this year, our Chancellor Sir Lenny Henry shared an open letter to the Black community, encouraging individuals to take up the Covid-19 vaccination when they were able to do so.
With all people aged 18 or over in England now able to book their vaccination, Sir Lenny has issued a message to the University’s staff and students, urging them to take up this opportunity and protect themselves and others from the risks of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Sir Lenny said “Earlier this year, I wrote an open letter to the Black community to ask them to take their Covid jabs when their turn came. Now the vaccination is becoming available to younger age groups – including many of you, our BCU community, and I’m saying the same to you. Take the jab. I know that some people are hesitant, or have legitimate concerns. I understand. But please, talk to a medical professional, ask them your questions, but trust them, and not your mate down the pub or something you read online.
“Like I said in the letter and film earlier this year – don’t let this widen inequalities in our society. You deserve to be protected and so do your loved ones. I can’t wait to see you all at an in-person graduation soon, but for us to do that, we need to all take the jab when our time comes.”
Sir Lenny’s open letter was signed by high-profile figures including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandiwe Newton and Trevor Nelson, and was turned into a powerful short film.
How to book your vaccination
If you are over 18 years old, you can book two appointments for two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine now through your GP, at a larger vaccination centre or a pharmacy. You can also wait to be invited to go to a local NHS service.
The NHS recommends booking both appointments at the same time, and that the second dose must be booked 8 to 12 weeks after the first.
Use the NHS website to book your two appointments now.
If you’ve had a positive Covid-19 test, you must wait four weeks from the date of the test before booking an appointment for the vaccine. If you are under 40, you will only be shown appointments for the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. If you are 40 or over, you’ll be asked if you are pregnant to make sure you’re only shown appointments for these vaccines.
If you prefer the convenience of a walk-in appointment, Millennium Point on City Centre Campus is offering walk-in appointments from 1 - 2 July, 10am-7pm.
Information about other walk-in vaccination services available across the city can be found on the Birmingham and Solihull NHS website here.
Answering student queries
To support individuals to access their vaccination, the NHS has issued a set of Covid-19 vaccination FAQs for students in higher education. The guidance covers topics such as accessing a second dose if students move locations, how to register with a GP and advice for international students living in the UK. The University is communicating with all students to help them take up their vaccine.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Philip Plowden said: “Over the past year we’ve all witnessed the achievement of scientists and the NHS in developing and distributing vaccines to combat Covid-19. Our staff and students have played their part too, including working and volunteering at the Millennium Point vaccination centre next door to our City Centre Campus.
“Now the vaccine rollout has reached all adults in England, all of our students and staff can protect themselves by booking their appointment. Having your vaccination will ensure that we keep making progress as we head into the summer. We owe it to each other – our University community, and those who live and work in our city – to protect those around us.”