Sir Elton John has teamed up with the NHS to encourage people to get vaccinated against coronavirus.

The singer, aged 73 and in the age bracket for current vaccinations, starred in a short promotional film ‘auditioning’ for an advert promoting Covid-19 vaccination jabs.

The new film to promote the jab was organised by Lord Ara Darzi who leads Imperial REACT COVID Surveillance Study Group and was shot at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

It also stars British actor Sir Michael Caine, as the two recorded the comic 90 second clip to show others that getting the life-saving jab is easy and safe.

Sir Elton John, honorary life president at Watford FC, 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.”

The singer says: “The more people in society who get vaccinated, the more chance there is of eradicating the national Covid pandemic

“It’s really important to know that the vaccines have all been through and met the necessary safety and quality standards.”

In the film, Sir Elton then pretends to get the jab before bursting in to his 1983 hit I’m Still Standing.

The unimpressed ‘director’ tells him “thanks Elton we will let you know” to which he replies: “Well at this short notice you won’t find anyone bigger”.

Sir Simon Stevens, chief executive of the NHS said: “Well over nine out of ten people aged 75 and over have already taken up the offer of their NHS Covid vaccination, and now we want to encourage everyone in the high priority groups to do so.

“That’s why we’re grateful to Sir Elton and Sir Michael for helping the NHS promote vaccine uptake, building on the fast and efficient programme to date, which has seen the NHS already vaccinate 1 in 4 adults across England.” 

More than 10 million people in England have already been vaccinated and the NHS is now asking anyone aged 70 or over who has not yet been vaccinated to come forward to be protected.

The NHS is delivering Covid vaccinations at more than 1,500 sites across the country and is on track to have offered a jab to everyone in the top four highest priority groups by the middle of this month.

Most people need to wait to be contacted by the NHS when it is their turn to receive it.

However, people aged 70 or over who have not yet been vaccinated can now arrange a vaccination is through national booking service which can be accessed at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination without first being contacted.