A panel of health and care experts from across Richmond upon Thames are set to chair an online question and answer session to help provide reassurance on the coronavirus vaccine to concerned people from the borough’s black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Hosted by Ravi Arora from Multicultural Richmond, the event will take place virtually between 2-3.30pm on Tuesday 23 March. It will enable those with concerns about the Coronavirus vaccine to put their questions direct to local health and care experts.

It is hoped that by providing a safe online forum in which all people, especially those from BAME communities, can ask questions and seek information, more people will be open to receiving the lifesaving coronavirus vaccine.

National research suggests there is a higher degree of vaccine hesitancy in people from a black, Asian or minority ethnic background.

Among the speakers who will be taking part in the online session will be Dr Patrick Gibson from Richmond CCG.

The presentation will be recorded and published online afterwards, for those not able to attend,.

The event will be hosted on ZOOM. Once registered you will be sent a personal link (around 24 hours in advance and again around 20 minutes before) and will be able to log in and hear and take part in the conversation.

Attendees will be invited to have their say via video, audio or text chat.

By registering to the event, participants are agreeing to the event etiquette, available here.