Three Italian virologists have been told to “go back to the hospitals and do your job” after releasing a viral music video dubbed ‘Si, Si Vax’ to the music of ‘Jingle Bells’.

Virologists Andrea Crisanti, Matteo Bassetti and Fabrizio Pregliasco sparked controversy for posting a video of themselves singing the Italian for ‘Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, vax. Let’s get vaccinated’ in the style of Jingle Bells.

Italian singer-songwriter Ultimo, 25, was among the many netizens and celebrities who told the virologists to “go back to the hospitals and do your job”, adding: “Stop going on TV to be clowns and stars.

“Let singers and everyone who works with us sing and return to the stage. For two years, many of us have not been able to do our job.”

In response to the backlash, Matteo Bassetti told local media: “First of all, I was pleased to be together with my two colleagues, and besides the fact that we are doctors, we are also fathers, we have children and grandchildren, and it is right to pass on a message that can arrive through science and also through this medium.”

He added: “Going by the number of insults and unleashed haters, I think it was a good initiative. Italy is full of people whose business it is to be used to hate and envy.

“A good gauge of knowing how successful an initiative has been is by the number of people who comment against it. I think my social media moderator has banned between 1,500 and 2,000 people, even though there have also been many positive comments.”

Andrea Crisanti said: “Just like colourful puppets and balloons are used in vaccination centres for little ones, it is clear that this was a completely different level of communication. And can I add something? I hate singing, so I definitely didn’t do it for show because singing is of my worst nightmares. It all started out as a playful thing for children.”