Ethnic groups face higher COVID risks

Ethnic groups face higher COVID risks
Credit: AP

London (Parliament Politics Magzine) – The proportion of people from ethnic minorities who are under-vaccinated against COVID-19 is twice that of white British people.

A study undertaken by scientists at Health Data Research UK implies that people from these groups are more likely to require hospital treatment or risk death from COVID-19 because they lack full defence against the disease.

What data reveals disparities in vaccine coverage by ethnicity?

“The results are very clear,”

stated Prof Angela Wood, of the HDR UK and Cambridge University. Utilizing data from 67 million people from England, Scotland and Wales, we discovered that only about 40% of those of white backgrounds had not had their full COVID vaccinations by the beginning of this year, while 80% of individuals from some ethnic groups were under-vaccinated. It is a striking difference.

Under-vaccination included citizens from Black African, Black Caribbean and Asian Pakistani backgrounds. Others, including those in Asian Chinese and Asian Indian classes, were almost 60% under-vaccinated.

“A person is deemed to be under-vaccinated if they had missed any of the Covid jabs that were recommended for their age group,”

Wood said.

How does vaccine uptake differ across UK ethnic groups?

The finding of the high vulnerability of ethnic groups to COVID comes as the health services are ready for an expected peak in cases with winter coming. Doctors and pharmacies are already offering jabs to qualified individuals such as residents in care homes and people over 65.

The study on ethnic groups and Covid vaccines is a follow-up to a study issued earlier this year in which scientists cooperated to reveal the take-up of Covid vaccines across Britain. This permitted them to determine the proportion of people who were under-vaccinated by the end of 2022 in England (46%), Northern Ireland (50%), Scotland (33%) and Wales (34%).

The outcomes of the failure to receive full vaccination were profound, the study revealed. An evaluated 7,000 severe COVID consequences, including hospitalisation and demise, would have been initiated by the lack of full protection, the group calculated.

Massimiliano  Verde

Massimiliano Verde is a journalist at Parliament News, He is covering Society and Culture News. Boasting a Master's Degree in Political Science, stands as a prominent figure in the Italian cultural landscape. His presidency of the Neapolitan Academy, a scientifically and sociolinguistically renowned group, attests to his relentless dedication to safeguarding and promoting Neapolitan language and culture. His activism and profound expertise have propelled him into the role of interlocutor for UNESCO as part of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032), a prestigious acknowledgment highlighting the significance of his efforts in preserving the linguistic and cultural diversity of our planet.

Verde's fervent passion for the history and culture of Southern Italy has driven him to immerse himself in research, resulting in numerous essays and articles that delve into the peculiarities and beauties of the region. His commitment extends beyond academia, manifesting in ongoing dissemination activities aimed at acquainting the general public with the rich cultural heritage of the South. His endeavors transcend national boundaries, as evidenced by his participation in international conferences and collaboration with various foreign institutions, rendering him an ambassador of Southern culture on the global stage and fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.