UK’s Ethnic Minorities Urged to Book Flu and Covid-19 Vaccines

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is calling for people from ethnic minorities in the UK to book their flu and Covid-19 vaccines, citing last winter’s high rates of emergency hospital admissions.

A UKHSA report published on 7 December shows that over the winter of 2022/2023 the average emergency hospital admission rates for influenza in the Pakistani ethnic were 2.7 times higher than the white ethnic group. For the black, African, Caribbean, or black British ethnic groups, the figure was on average 1.6 times higher than the white ethnic group.

Additionally, COVID-19 admission rates were 2.1 times higher for individuals living in more deprived areas compared to the least deprived; influenza admission rates were 2.6 times higher. According to a 2020 report by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, all of the aforementioned ethnic minority groups are more likely than white British people to live in the most overall deprived 10% of neighbourhoods in England.

“From previous research, we know that the underlying causes of health inequalities are complex, with multiple and overlapping factors,” a UKHSA statement reads. “This includes the impact of existing social and economic inequalities, coverage of healthcare interventions, such as vaccination, and pre-existing health conditions.”

UKHSA added that the report lays the groundwork for future investigation.

Vaccination appeal

According to UKHSA data, “among individuals aged 65 years and over, only 55% of the Pakistani ethnic group and 49% of the black Caribbean ethnic group received the influenza vaccine in winter 2022 to 2023, compared to 84% of the white British group”.

Dr Shona Arora, Director of Health Equity and Clinical Governance at UKHSA, said, “The disparities we have observed, with higher hospital admission rates among Pakistani and black, African, Caribbean, or black British ethnic groups and individuals living in more deprived areas, are concerning.

“If you have been invited to do so, please do book your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations through the NHS website, the NHS App, or by dialling 119. Both vaccines really can help to protect you and your family from serious illness.”