Michael Caine and Elton John encourage Covid vaccination uptake in new video

"It didn't hurt. Not many people know that."

Two iconic British figures - Sir Elton John and Sir Michael Caine - have teamed up with the NHS England for a new video encouraging people to receive a Covid-19 vaccination. The 90-second video takes the form of an audition tape, with Elton John trying out for the advert.

Lights, camera, vaccine! ?

Thanks @eltonofficial and @themichaelcaine for encouraging people to get the #COVIDVaccine. (Sorry it didn't quite work out, Elton.) ? pic.twitter.com/m0BIzKIu1b — NHS England and NHS Improvement (@NHSEngland) February 10, 2021

"The more people that get vaccinated, the more chance there is of eradicating the national Covid pandemic," says Elton John in the clip. "It is really important to know that the vaccines have all been through, and have met, the necessary safety and quality standards." An off-screen director tells John to be "a little less showbiz," and then gets him to do a Michael Caine impression. The director tells him they will "let him know" - to which Elton replies "At this short notice, you won't find anyone bigger." The video then cuts to Michael Caine receiving a jab. "I've just had a vaccine for Covid," Caine tells the camera. "It didn't hurt. Not many people know that." The clip ends with the director saying: "Let the little fella know he didn't get the job." Elton John is 73, and Michael Cain is 87, and both have received a Covid jab. "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," said Elton John on participating in the video. Over twelve and a half million people have already had the first dose of a Covid vaccination in the UK. The government's target is to have 15 million people receive a vaccination by the middle of February. At the current rate, 16 million will have been vaccinated by February 15th.