To help increase COVID-19 vaccination rates amongst Bedford’s Sikh community in Bedford, SEVA Trust UK are hosting special sessions so those with concerns can find out more and get their jab.
During the second Covid wave between 1 Sep 2020 and 22 May 2021, it was found Sikhs were the most likely religious group to receive a positive test result.
In response, SEVA Trust UK’s Bedford Team, supported by the Public Health team at Bedford Borough Council, has arranged four sessions at various temples in Bedford.
The first sessions were held last Sunday (6 March) at the Sikh Temple on Ampthill Rd and were led by Dr Baljit Kaur Upadhyay.
She delivered a talk on the COVID-19 vaccination and the need for everyone to get vaccinated or take a booster. Over 75 men and women from all age groups attended the event.
Details of the next sessions are
- Sunday, 13 March, 11:00am to 12:30pm: Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara, 156 Bedford Rd, Kempston MK42 8BH
- Sunday, 20 March, 11:30am to 1:30pm: Sri Guru Ravidass Gurdwara, Guru Ravidass Ln, Bedford MK40 1ED
- Sunday, 27 March, 11:00am to 12:30pm: Guru Nanak Gurdwara, 84 Ford End Rd, Bedford MK40 4JX
Speaking at the first event, Dr Upadhyay said: “Our Team would like to thank the Gurudwara committee for their excellent support.
“We had many people visit our stand and I was surprised to find some have not yet taken the Covid jabs and others feel hesitant to take the booster jab but I am pleased that as a result of our one-one discussions, we convinced them to get vaccinated.
“These awareness sessions play a vital role and we are looking forward to the next three events organised by SEVA Trust Team”.
