Elton John and Michael Caine appear in new NHS Covid video

Sir Elton John and Sir Michael Caine have teamed up in a new video to promote getting vaccinated against Covid-19. The two entertainment giants, who have both been vaccinated by the NHS, recorded the short film to showcase that getting vaccinated is both easily done and safe to do. Sir Elton said: “I wanted to take part in this film to help show people the benefits of getting vaccinated and how it helps protect ourselves and the people we love. “So I hope we can all come together and do our bit in the fight against this wretched disease.” The video In the video, which was shot at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, the singer appears to be auditioning for the role of promoting the vaccine. He says: “The more people in society who get vaccinated, the more chance there is of eradicating the national Covid pandemic. “It’s really important to know that the vaccines have all been through and met the necessary safety and quality standards.” Sir Elton then pretends to get the vaccine before bursting out into his 1983 hit song I’m Still Standing. The unimpressed director behind the scenes tells Sir Elton that they “will let you know”, to which Sir Elton replies: “Well, at this short notice you won’t find anyone bigger.” The video then cuts to Sir Michael, who says that getting the vaccine “didn’t hurt”, and added his famous catch phrase: “Not many people know that.” ‘We want to encourage everyone to get vaccinated’ Sir Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of the NHS said: “Well over nine out of 10 people aged 75 and over have already taken up the offer of their NHS Covid vaccination, and now we want to encourage everyone in the high priority groups to do so. “That’s why we’re grateful to Sir Elton and Sir Michael for helping the NHS promote the vaccine uptake, building on the fast and efficient programme to date, which has seen the NHS already vaccinate one in four adults across England.” The video was organised by Lord Ara Darzi, who is co-director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London, and is a friend to both Sir Elton and Sir Michael. Lord Darzi said that Sir Elton and Sir Michael are “trusted faces” who are “loved” by the public. He explained that he wanted the video to be “humorous and engaging”, and that he hoped that people who might be sceptical about the vaccine would change their minds. ‘The vaccines are safe and effective’ Lord Darzi said: “I am really pleased that Elton and Michael were keen to do this video, to show how quick and easy it is to get vaccinated and why it’s so important. “They recognise that the vaccines approved by the medical regulator are safe and effective and the more people who have them, the sooner we will curb the pandemic and get the country, and the world, back to normal. “I am very grateful to both of them for their generous participation and thanks also should be given to the brilliant writer Stephen Pipe and producer, Clare Gibson, who both generously gave their time to this.”

Elton John and Michael Caine appear in new NHS Covid video - watch it here