A Trust pharmacist has joined a national appeal over Chinese New Year for members of the UK’s Chinese community to celebrate the Year of the Tiger in safety and to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Leung Yu Wu, a pharmacist based at the University Hospital of North Tees, has lent his voice to a series of filmed video appeals on behalf of the NHS throughout the country.
Leung, 40, is originally from Hong Kong and has lived in the UK for 16 years. He lives in Newcastle with his wife Mia and their two children, a son aged three and a one-year old daughter.
An experienced pharmacist who has worked at the Trust since 2009 recorded appeals in Mandarin, Cantonese and English, Leung said:
“Chinese New Year is a time of family celebration and fun.
“But it’s important to remember that there is still a real threat from COVID-19 and I appeal to all members of the Chinese community in the UK to have confidence in the development and testing process behind the vaccination programme.
“I’m a pharmacist and I know the vaccine is safe and effective. I’ve had it and I would recommend it to any of my family and patients.
“Please, protect yourselves and loved ones and begin the Year of the Tiger vaccinated and safe from COVID-19.”
Pharmacist Leung Yu Wu video appeal – English
Hello everyone, my name’s Leung Yu Wu.
Happy New Year.
This year’s of the tiger and it’s always to keep your body strong.
During the new year, everyone will get together with family. It’s good to keep everyone safe so everyone needs to have the Covid vaccine.
If you haven’t had it, it’s not too late.
If you’ve had it already, it’s always good to have a booster.
Anyone over 12 can have their vaccine. Anyone over 16 can have their booster.
If you have any questions, you can always go to your local GP or local vaccine centre.
Leung’s video will form part of a series of films issued by the NHS and are also available to view in Cantonese and Mandarin:
Chinese New takes place on Tuesday 1 February. The Year of the Tiger celebrates the traditional Chinese ‘king of the beasts’ and those born during the year are said to be brave, confident and to demonstrate great will power.