According to a press release by England Cricket Board, the England Men’s Cricket team and Chief Medical Officer, Professor Nick Peirce were joined by Professor Jonathan Van-Tam in a film presented by Isa Guha about the COVID-19 vaccine. In a question and answer session, teammates Mark Wood, Chris Jordan and Sam Curran virtually joined Professor Van-Tam and got a chance to ask many questions such as, “are there any side effects?”, “how does the vaccine protect people from coronavirus?” and “is it safe for all ethnic groups to take?”. Professor Van-Tam reiterated to the group to only rely on information from trusted sources and that vaccines are the most effective way to protect the people from coronavirus. He also assured the players that the vaccine is suitable for all ethic groups and not everyone experienced side effects which are mild and short term. Professor Van-Tam, England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer said, “It was a real pleasure to join some of England’s cricket players and answer their questions about the vaccine. Vaccination is the best way to protect people from COVID and will save thousands of lives. Over 22 million people have now had their first dose, if people follow the guidance then we all hope that people will be cheering our cricketers and other sport stars on from the stands again soon.” The ECB remains hopeful that the effective vaccine deployment would mean that fans will soon be able to return to the stadium. At the conclusion of the discussion, Mark Wood, Chris Jordan and Sam Curran pledged to take the vaccine when it rolls out. England Cricketer Chris Jordan said, “It’s been a strange experience playing in empty stadiums and I can’t wait to have our fans back the team in person. Like many, I’ve had my own questions about the vaccine.” “With my understanding of the direction the world is heading in, and after speaking to Professor Van-Tam with my teammates, there’s no doubt in my mind that I will get the vaccine when it’s my turn.”
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, said: “Our brilliant healthcare workers and volunteers across the country have been working flat out to give the vaccine to millions of people, including at the vaccination site at Lord’s Cricket Ground which has delivered more than 10,000 vaccinations. We are already seeing the real world positive effect of the vaccine programme on reducing hospitalisations and deaths and I would urge everyone who is offered it to get their jab to protect yourself and those around you.” Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden CBE, said: “Cricket has made an outstanding contribution throughout the pandemic, and it was a real pleasure to visit the Lord’s vaccine centre recently where volunteers, NHS staff and the cricket community were working together to knock Covid for six. I want to thank the England squad for joining us in encouraging people to take up the vaccine when they are notified. A successful vaccine rollout is the best way we can get everyone back safely watching and playing, and I want us to have a brilliant summer of cricket.”