Hamilton, Verstappen and fellow F1 stars urge fans to get vaccinated
A new film featuring the top drivers comes as the booster programme is accelerated amid concerns over the spread of the Omicron variant.
Formula One’s biggest stars – including Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris – have teamed up to promote Covid-19 vaccinations.
In the short film, the drivers take turns to urge fans to get the jab this winter.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton can be seen saying: “We’re finding our way back to things we love but Covid has not gone away.”
Sebastian Vettel says: “Get vaccinated – I think it’s the sensible thing to do.”
F1 Group chief executive Stefano Domenicali says: “I’ve had my vaccine – actually, I did my booster. Do your bit please.”
Hamilton and Verstappen are set to battle for the championship at Sunday’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Government has emphasised that inoculations remain the best defence against the new Omicron variant.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “It is fantastic to see F1 drivers playing their part, encouraging others to get their top up jab to secure the vital protection they need as the virus goes on the advance this winter.
“More than 21 million people have received their booster jab and I urge all those eligible to come forward, roll up their sleeves and get protected as soon as they can.”
On Friday, the UK reported the highest daily number of Covid-19 cases in almost a year as experts warned Omicron could become the dominant strain in the UK by mid-December.
But the UKHSA said preliminary data showed vaccine effectiveness “considerably increased” in the early period after a booster dose, providing around 70% to 75% protection against symptomatic infection.
To speed up the vaccination programme, the Government says about 450 military personnel have been drafted in to help, and there will be extra community pharmacy sites, hospital hubs and pop-up sites.
Extra funding is also being made available to GPs, pharmacies and primary care staff to increase capacity and encourage more visits to housebound people.
The legal requirement to wear masks was extended to more indoor spaces in England on Friday, including museums, galleries and community centres.
There will be a return to working from home on Monday, and mandatory Covid passports for large venues from Wednesday, as the Government’s Plan B comes into force.
