You could be forgiven for thinking that we are back in December 2020. As we approach a new year, Covid is on the rise and there are fears that hospitals are on the point of being overwhelmed. Every day brings further bad news and the worry of more restrictions. But there is, of course, one enormous difference between today and the situation twelve months ago: the vaccine. Omicron may be doing its worst, but we know that people who have had all three jabs are well protected.

This time last year there was no vaccine at all. So, thanks to modern science, there is no need for panic; quite the opposite. But it is distressing and worrying that large parts of the Charedi community remain unvaccinated, which has led to the incidence of Covid being far higher than it needs to be — especially among pregnant women.

One community leader says that “conspiracy rubbish” is pervasive, with many strictly Orthodox falling for such lies “hook, line and sinker” — especially women, who believe the anti-vaxxer claim that having the vaccine can affect fertility and overall health. The facts show the opposite — pregnant women who are unvaccinated are likely to be among the worst affected by Covid.

It is welcome that healthcare providers are making special efforts to target the Charedi community with information designed to increase uptake, but as we have seen over the past year, it is an uphill battle. That may be so, but it is vital that as much effort as possible is put into overcoming the barriers and increasing vaccination rates.