Bromley Mosque Opens its Doors to Aid The COVID-19 vaccination Drive
Al-Emaan Mosque is one of the first Mosques in the country to offer its facilities to the NHS vaccination programme. The first clinic held on 6 February was a resounding success and another clinic takes place on 27 February 2021. Residents found it convenient, easy to get to and welcoming. A video of the first clinic is available.
Dr Omar Taha, Bromley GP and Trustee of Al-Emaan Mosque has been the driving force behind the clinic at the Mosque. Dr Taha said,
“Integral to the Mosque ethos is community support, so when the opportunity arose to assist the Covid-19 vaccination drive, we were keen to do what we could to help. As Muslims, a core principle of the faith is to care for and support our community and people of all faiths and backgrounds. This was wonderfully illustrated by the overwhelming number of Mosque volunteers who offered to help when the call went out. It has been great to work with NHS South East London Clinical Commissioning Group, the Bromley GP Alliance and other health and care partners to push and support the vaccine drive. We believe in this vaccine, and we believe in its safety and efficacy”.
Dr Hasib Rub, Chair of Bromley GP Alliance, the federation of GPs working to support Bromley general practice, said,
“Collaborating with the Mosque illustrates the strong partnerships we have in Bromley, which are critical in helping us to reach and encourage people from all ethnicities and backgrounds to be vaccinated. The clinic is open to everyone in the borough."
“The Covid-19 virus does not discriminate against age, gender, race, religion or background. Each person has a moral duty to protect their own health as well as an ethical duty to protect those around them and a responsibility for the sustainable use of the NHS. We can try and shield from the virus, develop natural immunity with all the risk that that carries, or we can do the right thing and get vaccinated."
“Clinical staff working across Bromley in hospitals, GP practices and vaccination hubs continue to do a remarkable job and have vaccinated tens of thousands of Bromley residents so far. The Bromleag Care Practice run by the Bromley GP Alliance, has vaccinated care home residents and staff, and is working with partners such as the Bromley Homeless Shelter to offer vaccines to everyone who is eligible. We will continue to offer more vaccination clinics at the Mosque and other convenient locations across the borough to help protect and save lives”.
Iman Hasan from Al-Emaan Mosque said:
‘I fully encourage individuals to be vaccinated – protecting yourself and others is an invaluable teaching in Islam. The Mosque has consistently sought to serve and engage with the local community in various ways, through co-founding the Bromley 3 Faiths group, opening its doors to individuals of all backgrounds for welcome events, and working with local schools to assist national curriculum targets. We hope that running this vaccine clinic will be a further step in the Mosque being a local hub in the community and in doing our small bit to protect lives.’
Dr Andrew Parson, Bromley GP and the COVID Vaccination Clinical Lead for south east London added:
“Getting your COVID-19 vaccination will help to protect you and your family and those you care for. Our message to anyone in a priority group who has not yet come forward to have their vaccination is that we are here for you, and when you decide to have your vaccination, your local GP practice can make an appointment for you as soon as possible.”
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Bromley and south east London, please visit www.selondonccg.nhs.uk
