We will no doubt remember 2020/21 as one of the harshest winters we have ever faced. Nevertheless, multiple vaccines, developed in record-breaking time, give us hope that the pandemic will end at some point. The mammoth effort of distribution is now well underway. With any luck, we could start to see a gradual relaxation of restrictions in the coming months. However, with anti-vaccine conspiracies rampant across social media, public health officials have their work cut out ensuring that a sufficient percentage of the population is immunised.
At the time of writing, over five million people have received their first dose with the NHS giving them out at a rate of 200 per minute. This is no mean feat considering the logistical challenges and enormous global demand. Both health workers and manufacturers are working incredibly hard to ensure that the vaccine is synthesised, distributed and administered as quickly as possible. The UK Government has appointed Iraqi-born MP Nadhim Zahawi as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Vaccine Deployment. One of the main challenges Zahawi has faced is the influence of conspiracy theories that claim the vaccine is harmful, many of them targeted at the BAME community.
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) recently published a study showing that scepticism was more prevalent among minority ethnic populations. Vaccine hesitancy was highest in Black groups, with 72% stating they were unlikely to get the vaccine. South Asian groups were the next most hesitant, with 42% expressing distrust. Non-British white communities, including Eastern Europeans, were also less likely to accept a jab.
Many are concerned that the vaccine contains animal products or other ingredients forbidden under certain religions. The Vaccine Deployment Minister made it clear he would work with local officials and community leaders to reassure 'hard-to-reach groups'. He met with 150 representatives from Sikh, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim organisations to help spread the message that the vaccine is Halal, Kosher and meat-free. Several BAME NHS workers have also joined the campaign, posting videos online explaining that the vaccine is safe and effective.
On the whole, conspiracy theories and fake news harm all sections of society, thus we must remain vigilant and stick to reliable news sources whenever we have concerns. The Government's efforts to counter misinformation and encourage vaccination benefit all of us. And by engaging with minority groups directly through trusted community leaders' ministers are ensuring no one is left behind.