Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has said it is a “religious imperative” to take the vaccine against coronavirus, in a video message calling for people to act responsibly.

While it was right to pray to God for help, “at the same time we should recognise Hashem is calling upon us to be His partners,” he said.

“He wants us to have hishtadlut, our efforts to behave with responsibility, at this critically important time to ensure that we don’t take any risk with regard to our health and that we responsibly safeguard and protect the lives of others.”

Rabbi Mirvis said we were blessed to be living in a country whose government recognised that places of worship provided an “essential service to the nation.” Unlike last year’s lockdown, religious buildings have been allowed to stay open for communal prayer this time.

But he added, “We must not take advantage of this privilege.” If there were any risk associated with coming to shul, he urged, “Please daven at home instead”.

Rabbi Mirvis said, “When a vaccine will be offered to you, you have a religious imperative to take it, to look after yourself and to look after those around you.”

Citing the fable of King Solomon’s ring, inscribed with the motto “Gam ze yavor”, “This too shall pass,” he stressed, “But now we have been called upon to have added patience.”