People from ethnic minority groups in the UK are twice as likely to be under-vaccinated against Covid-19 compared to white British individuals, according to a study by Health Data Research UK (HDR UK).
This disparity places minority groups at higher risk of severe Covid outcomes, including hospitalization and death, due to incomplete vaccine protection.
Professor Angela Wood from HDR UK and Cambridge University reported, “Using data from 67 million people across England, Scotland, and Wales, we found that while around 40% of white British individuals had not completed their Covid vaccinations, up to 80% of some ethnic groups, including Black African, Black Caribbean, and Pakistani, were under-vaccinated.” Asian Chinese and Indian communities also showed significant under-vaccination, with around 60% missing recommended doses.
A person is considered under-vaccinated if they missed any recommended Covid shots for their age group. The findings raise concerns as the UK’s health services brace for a winter rise in Covid cases, with booster shots being offered to at-risk populations like care home residents and people over 65.
The research builds on a previous study that revealed vaccine uptake disparities across Britain by the end of 2022. These findings showed 46% under-vaccination in England, 50% in Northern Ireland, 33% in Scotland, and 34% in Wales. Additionally, men, younger people, and individuals from deprived areas were more likely to be under-vaccinated, according to Wood.
The study estimated that lacking full vaccination led to approximately 7,000 severe Covid cases and deaths across the UK. Recognizing the potential public health implications, HDR UK researchers segmented the population into 13 ethnic categories, identifying substantial gaps in vaccine uptake among minority groups. For instance, over 60% of nearly all categories besides white British or Irish were under-vaccinated, with several reaching as high as 80%.
Wood acknowledged that age demographics and vaccine hesitancy among younger people might contribute to these disparities but emphasized the need for targeted public health strategies. “Our study highlights the urgent need to investigate vaccination rates for other conditions, such as measles, across various ethnic groups in the UK,” she said, stressing the importance of similar studies for a comprehensive public health response.
