Abstract
COVID-19 has disproportionately affected minority ethnic groups in the United Kingdom. To maximise the effectiveness of the vaccination programme, it is important to understand and address disparities in vaccine uptake. The aim of this review was to identify factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination uptake between minority ethnic groups in the UK. A search was undertaken in peer-reviewed databases, polling websites and grey literature from January 2020–May 2021. Studies were included if they reported data on vaccine uptake or the reasons for or against accepting the COVID-19 vaccination for minority ethnic groups in the UK. Twenty-one papers met the inclusion criteria, all of which were rated as either good or moderate quality. Ethnic minority status was associated with higher vaccine hesitancy and lower vaccine uptake compared with White British groups. Barriers included pre-existing mistrust of formal services, lack of information about the vaccine’s safety, misinformation, inaccessible communications, and logistical issues. Facilitators included inclusive communications which address vaccine concerns via trusted communicators and increased visibility of minority ethnic groups in the media. Community engagement to address the concerns and informational needs of minority ethnic groups using trusted and collaborative community and healthcare networks is likely to increase vaccine equity and uptake.
Highlights
COVID-19 has disproportionately affected minority ethnic groups in the United Kingdom (UK) [1,2]
This is similar to other vaccination programmes and suggests a consistency of concerns beyond COVID-19, for people from minority ethnic groups, such as negative experiences and mistrust towards formal services
It is important to build on the initial success of the UK vaccination programme to achieve sufficient protection at a population level
Summary
COVID-19 has disproportionately affected minority ethnic groups in the United Kingdom (UK) [1,2]. There is evidence to indicate that some minority ethnic groups have lower intentions to receive COVID-19 vaccinations [3]. This is of concern due to the higher COVID-19 incidence, morbidity and mortality in these groups, and the importance of the vaccination programme as part of a package of measures to manage the pandemic. Vaccine hesitancy is defined as a delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccination when vaccination services are available [4] It is characterised by uncertainty and ambivalence and is a legitimate response to fears of safety, concerns about the efficacy of the vaccine, and issues of mistrust towards formal services [5]
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