Sir Elton John and Sir Michael Caine star in video promoting COVID-19 vaccine

Two of the biggest names in show business have joined forces to encourage people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Sir Elton John and Sir Michael Caine appear in a new short film to promote vaccination for the coronavirus as it is rolled out by the NHS in the UK and elsewhere around the world. 

The film is a light-hearted take on the important and timely subject of vaccination. 

The two celebrities are shown auditioning for a part in a proposed “Vaccine Video”. Only one gets the job. 

After receiving the vaccine, Elton John sings “I’m Still Standing”, in a brief reprisal of his 1983 global hit. 

Michael Caine declares the vaccination didn’t hurt, adding, “Not many people know that.” The 90-second film was commissioned by Professor the Lord Ara Darzi, co-director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London and Consultant Surgeon at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Professor Darzi is also sponsor of the Imperial-led REACT programme, the largest and most comprehensive study of community coronavirus testing which has been tracking the epidemic in England since May 2020.   

“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.”  Sir Elton John

The short clip shows the ease and simplicity of getting vaccinated, while explaining how it is safe. 

Sir Elton John 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.” 

Having the vaccine provides people with the best protection from getting COVID-19 and will play a critical role in ending the pandemic.

Yet recent polling research shows acceptance of a coronavirus vaccine varies around the world. In the UK, 78% of respondents said they would have the vaccine compared with 39% in France and 55% in Canada.   

"The more people who have the vaccine, the sooner we will curb the pandemic." Professor Ara Darzi Co-Director, Institute of Global Health Innovation

A number of COVID-19 vaccines are now approved both in the UK and globally and the UK has been a leading player in the field. The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is being rolled out internationally and currently the NHS is administering 250 vaccinations every minute. Imperial College London has also developed self-amplifying RNA vaccine technology to target COVID-19 which is now being explored for its potential to target new variants of SARS-CoV -2. 

Professor Ara Darzi, co-director of Imperial College London’s Institute of Global Health Innovation, 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.” 

The film was written and directed by Stephen Pipe and produced by Clare Gibson. It was shot under COVID-19 restrictions at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. 

The film is available at this link and can be aired for free on any online platform.