What did the Queen say about the Covid vaccine? Queen Elizabeth II shares experience of vaccination programme

Her Majesty told those who are considering not receiving their vaccination to “think about others rather than themselves”
The Queen has urged people to "think about others rather than themselves" when considering getting the Covid vaccine (Picture: Getty Images)The Queen has urged people to "think about others rather than themselves" when considering getting the Covid vaccine (Picture: Getty Images)
The Queen has urged people to "think about others rather than themselves" when considering getting the Covid vaccine (Picture: Getty Images)

The Queen is the latest of the royals to back the coronavirus vaccination programme in the UK in a video call with health leaders.

Her Majesty and Prince Phillip, 99, both received their vaccinations in January.

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So, what did she say about her experience and how have other royals supported the vaccine efforts? This is what you need to know.

What did the Queen say about receiving the vaccine?

On Tuesday 23 February, the head of state took part in a video call in which she addressed her experience of the coronavirus vaccination.

In response to a question about how her own jab went, she smiled and replied: “Well, as far as I can make out it was quite harmless.

"It was very quick, and I've had lots of letters from people who've been very surprised by how easy it was to get the vaccine."

She added that it “didn’t hurt at all.”

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The 98-year-old monarch, who rarely shares personal information, said she could understand why people may have anxieties about being vaccinated but urged them to “think about others rather than themselves.”

What did she say about the pandemic?

Her Majesty recalled her experience of wartime Britain, suggesting that the community support and sense of unity across the country was “very much like” how the UK came together during World War II.

She also likened the pandemic to a “plague”, and said the speed at which the NHS has rolled out the vaccine had been “remarkable” so far.

How did others respond to her support?

Joining her on the call were medical professionals and representatives from all four nations.

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Dr Emily Lawson, who is leading the vaccine deployment programme for the NHS in England, said the Queen's comments were an "incredibly important vote of confidence in the programme".

Dr Lawson added: "We just want to make sure we create the conditions where everybody feels able to take up the offer of a vaccination when they're called.”

"And Her Majesty offering her view on that is a huge boost to our confidence and I hope to confidence more broadly in the programme."

The Queen’s comments came after UK vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said that 11-15% of people were vaccine-hesitant, according to recent data.

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Recent studies of GP records have revealed differences in coverage of the vaccination rollout between people with different ethnic backgrounds, levels of deprivation and health conditions.

How have other royals supported the vaccination efforts?

The royal family has openly supported the vaccination programme and the Queen, Prince Phillip, Prince Charles and Camilla have all received their first doses.

The Duchess of Cornwall said she “leapt for joy” when she was vaccinated, while Prince Charles also featured in a televised campaign to ask people from the BAME community to get theirs.

In the video, he said he was inspired to speak out to "enable people from every background to take up the vaccine" and "that barriers to its adoption be removed".

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The Duke of Cornwall also said he has been "saddened" by "the variable uptake of coronavirus jabs" in black and Asian communities.

The Duke of Cambridge also expressed his support for the vaccine efforts in a visit to a Covid vaccination centre in Norfolk on Monday, 22 February.

Prince William said he would be at the "front of the queue" for a vaccine if it encouraged others to get theirs, but he would "wait my turn".

Prince Edward’s wife, Sophie, has also volunteered at a vaccination centre in south-west London.

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She is a St John Ambulance care volunteer, and the charity said it was "delighted" to welcome the countess to their team of 10,000 trained volunteers currently helping in vaccine centres across England.