The legendary British singer tries an impression of Michael Caine, but fails to impress the casting team – before Caine himself makes a cameo. Both celebrities have already been vaccinated against the coronavirus, the NHS said.
His call for more Britons to be vaccinated comes at a time when the UK plans to expand its distribution. Britain has already vaccinated more than 12 million people with at least one dose and now asks people aged 70 and over in England who have not been vaccinated to make an appointment.
“I wanted to be in this film to help show people the benefits of getting vaccinated and how it helps to protect ourselves and the people we love,” said John. “So I hope that we can all come together and do our part in the fight against this miserable disease.”
In the video, the 73-year-old sings his 1980s hit, “I’m Still Standing”, after pretending he was shot. The parody also shows Caine, 87, telling viewers that the vaccine is okay – before adding his characteristic phrase: “Few people know that.”
NHS England Chief Executive Simon Stevens said that vaccine uptake in older populations has been very high and that the campaign is a way to encourage others who can get the vaccine to do so.
“Well over nine out of ten people aged 75 and over have already accepted the NHS Covid vaccination offer, and now we want to encourage all high-priority groups to do so,” said Stevens.
“That is why we are grateful to Sir Elton and Sir Michael for helping the NHS to promote the adoption of the vaccine,” he added.
The government has pledged to offer a vaccine to everyone in its four highest-risk groups by mid-February.
Despite strong acceptance, community protection can only be achieved when a vast majority of the population has been vaccinated, and scientists have warned of the challenges posed by the vaccine’s lack of information and hesitation in reaching this milestone.