Councils are appealing for people to make “informed decisions” on the Covid-19 vaccine as it tries to bust myths associated with the jab.

Local authorities in north-west London, who work with some of the most diverse communities in the UK, have held seminars to outline the facts and tackle misinformation around the vaccine.

Later tonight, a television ‘roadblock’ across channels including ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, will show a message from leading Black, Asian and minority ethnic figures urging their communities to take the vaccine.

Below are some of the myths that authorities have heard around the vaccine and the assurances they are untrue.

You will be forced to take the vaccine

There is no law that means the Covid-19 vaccine will be mandatory, while it is not permitted for children to be vaccinated without parental consent.

It contains animal products

Religious leaders have stressed the vaccine is suitable for those who abstain from eating pork, other meats, or animal products such as egg.

Biochemist Dr Musharraf Hussain al-Azhari, who is also an imam, explained uptake of the vaccine is backed by Islamic theology as it could help protect others and adheres to advice presented by authorities based on facts.

It will alter my DNA

Dr John Licorish, deputy director of public health at Brent Council, explained there is “no chance” the vaccine will change people’s DNA and he reminded people it is the best way of protecting yourself and your loved ones from the virus.

Microchips are included in the vaccine

Scientists have been quick to debunk the suggestion the vaccine contains any sort of microchip or tracking system.

There was a widespread conspiracy theory that this concept was headed up by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

But, as comedian Romesh Ranganathan says in the TV commercial: “There’s no chip or tracker in the vaccine to keep watching where you go – your mobile phone actually does a much better job of that.”

It can affect fertility

Professor Lucy Chappell, the spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said there is “no plausible biological mechanism” the vaccine will affect fertility.

However, the Government has advised pregnant women should “not routinely have this vaccine” until more information is available.

The side effects are dangerous

While it is accepted some people might feel unwell after taking the Covid-19 vaccine, the Department of Health and Social Care noted there have been no significant side effects observed as part of the rollout.

It will give me Covid-19

Health professionals explained the vaccine does not contain any part of the virus, dead or alive. It comprises mRNA, a fragment of its genetic make-up which instructs your cells on how to create “spike protein” and generate an immune response.