COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in an ethnically diverse community: descriptive findings from the Born in Bradford study

Abstract

Background: The roll out of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are now underway in the UK, and ensuring good uptake in vulnerable communities will be critical to reducing hospital admissions and deaths. There is emerging evidence that vaccine hesitancy is higher in ethnic minorities and deprived areas, and that this may be caused by misinformation in the community. This study aims to understand COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in an ethnically diverse and deprived population. Methods: Questionnaire surveys were sent to parents in the Born in Bradford study. Cross tabulations explored variation by ethnicity and deprivation. Text from open-ended questions was analysed using thematic analysis. Results: 535 (31%) of 1727 invited between 29th October-9th December 2020 participated in the study. 154 (29%) of respondents do want a vaccine, 53 (10%) do not. The majority had not thought about it (N=154, 29%) or were unsure (N=161, 30%). Vaccine hesitancy differed significantly by ethnicity and deprivation: 43% (95% CIs: 37-54%) of White British and 60% (35-81%) in the least deprived areas do want a vaccine, compared to 13% (9-19%) of Pakistani heritage and 20% (15-26%) in the most deprived areas. Those that distrusted the NHS were more likely to not want a vaccine (30%, 15-50%). Reasons for not wanting a vaccine were commonly explained by confusion and distrust caused by prevalent misinformation. Conclusions: There is a much higher level of vaccine hesitancy in ethnic minorities, those living in deprived areas and those that distrust the NHS. There is an urgent need to tackle the overwhelming misinformation about COVID-19 that is leading to this uncertainty and confusion about the vaccines. If not addressed there is a high risk of unequitable roll out of the vaccination programme in the UK.

Women’s views on accepting COVID-19 vaccination during and after pregnancy, and for their babies: A multi-methods study in the UK

“…Recent work by Bell et al found that parents from ethnic minority backgrounds other than White in the UK are less likely to accept a COVID-19 vaccine for their children (14). This finding is consistent with other reports that individuals from ethnic minorities are less likely to accept COVID-19 vaccination for themselves (15,16). For example, initial analysis of the UK's COVID-19 vaccine program for adults aged over 80 years found lower uptake among Black Afro-Caribbean ethnicities (17).…”

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in care home staff: a survey of Liverpool care homes

“…The social care workforce is predominately female (82%, compared to 47% in the economically active population), and with a higher proportion of BAME individuals (21% vs 14% in England) [14]. This is a similar demographic to the parts of the general population with high levels of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy [15,16,17]. Concerns about the lack of adequate research into vaccine safety were widespread and were the most prevalent reason for non-vaccination.…”

“…Concerns about the lack of adequate research into vaccine safety were widespread and were the most prevalent reason for non-vaccination. These mirror concerns of the general population [15,16,17]. Strategies to quell these specific fears need to utilise personal experience alongside expert advice, in order to be successful [19].…”

Exploring Vaccine Hesitancy in Care Home Employees in North West England: A Qualitative Study

“…These concerns over the safety of the vaccine were heightened by media reports and the negative experiences of others. Previous research [10,11] has highlighted concerns over lack of research and a perception vaccine development had been rushed, as reasons for people not getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Participants in the current study reported they would consider getting the vaccine in the future once they perceived it to be effective and safe.…”

“…Research has identified several barriers to getting the COVID-19 vaccine, including mistrust in healthcare professionals and scientists, safety concerns, negative perceptions of vaccination side effects, lower perceived threat of COVID-19, and inconsistent information [11][12][13][14][15]. Barriers for care home employees include perceived lack of research, concerns over fertility, concerns over allergic reactions, and difficulty accessing vaccination appointments [10], with similar barriers also being identified among healthcare workers [16].…”