As the new Covid-19 variant continues to overwhelm our communities and push our hospitals and heroic NHS staff beyond breaking point, all eyes are on our national vaccination programme.
The last few weeks have seen a number of major milestones when it has come to the roll out, including the approval of the third, Moderna vaccine. The Government’s decision to put GP surgeries at the forefront of distributing the vaccine, alongside the opening of 24-hour hubs, will also help to accelerate the programme.
Despite all of this encouraging news, we are still a long way off hitting the target of vaccinating two million people per week. This is what experts have recommended is needed if we are to get ahead of the virus and avoid another lockdown.
It has been disappointing and worrying to see that despite having the highest population density and some of the worst rates of poverty in the country, London has been left behind by the Government during the initial rollout of the vaccine.
I am joining the Mayor of London is his calls for Ministers to give our capital the resources needed to catch-up with other regions of the UK, so we can get on with the task of vaccinating all of our frontline healthcare workers, and everyone over 70 and clinically vulnerable, in a matter of weeks.
One of the biggest obstacles we face is the issue of vaccine hesitancy. It is hugely concerning that only 57% of our Black Minority Ethnic (BAME) people would be willing to take up the offer of a Covid-19 vaccine. This is compared to 79% of white people, according to the Royal Society of Public Health. It seems that irresponsible anti-vaccination messages are being systematically targeted at people from ethnic minority groups.
Beware of the misinformation about vaccines being spread via WhatsApp groups and across social media networks. I would urge everyone to look towards reputable and news outlets, and the NHS itself for factual information about the vaccine.
The NHS are currently working on a campaign to attempt to stem the tide of anti-vaccination propaganda being spread amongst our communities. We all have a role to play here. We can and must all do our bit to convince our family, friends and neighbours to take up the vaccine. With only 55% of Asian people willing to take the vaccine, it is crucial we have these important conversations.
In addition to this, the Government must now also provide councils with dedicated funding to put out targeted and multi-lingual advice about the vaccine in their local areas.
Covid-19 has disproportionately impacted BAME communities. We have experienced more adverse effects and higher mortality rates. The vaccine will protect us, but it also means it will protect those around us, take the pressure off hospitals, bring infection rates down and ultimately help life get back to normal, so we can see our families and friends again in the near future. Should you have any concerns on this issue email me [email protected]
