Dawoodi Bohras of Bradford see huge Covid vaccine uptake

Acknowledging the hesitancy surrounding the vaccine among some BAME communities, Bradford’s Dawoodi Bohras have undertaken a campaign since the beginning of the year to educate its members about the dangers of Covid-19 and the benefits and responsibility of receiving a vaccine.

Raaj Cochin, a representative of the Dawoodi Bohra community of Bradford, said: “The many NHS frontline media professionals, GPs and pharmacists we have in our local Bohra community have played a leading role in educating members of our faith that the vaccine is safe and effective.

“We shall continue to push towards a 100 per cent vaccination rate as it is undoubtedly the best way to defeat the pandemic and keep the people of Bradford safe.”

The Bohras’ vaccination campaign used sermons, social media, and WhatsApp groups to deliver accurate information about the vaccine, as well as reaching out to members individually – particularly high-risk persons – to assess their eligibility and arrange transportation to vaccination clinics.

“Wherever they live, Dawoodi Bohras strive to play productive roles and contribute to the progress and development of their adopted countries and all its citizens. “Getting vaccinated is an important part of our responsibility to our community and society as a whole.”

The Dawoodi Bohras of Bradford have lived and worked peacefully in and around the city for decades. The 95 families congregate at Adam Masjid, or mosque, on Sydena Way off Ingleby Road. As proud citizens of Bradford, they are committed to working with all communities in order to make a positive contribution to society.