Vaccine fears ‘also a factor’

ANXIETY regarding the coronavirus vaccine may be contributing to the decline in mental health within the Asian community, experts have noted.

In December, a Royal Society of Public Health poll revealed ethnic minorities were the least likely to want the vaccine. A little more than half (57 per cent) of respondents from BAME groups were unlikely to accept the immunisation, compared to 79 per cent of white respondents. At the time, Dr Kailash Chand told Eastern Eye he believed the reluctance could be down to mistrust in government, a lack of awareness and reliance on fake news.

Dr Ananta Dave said the vaccine had caused concerns within the community and emphasised greater awareness to calm people’s fears. “We have to work very hard to dispel any myths and misinformation,” she said, urging advice in multiple languages and increased outreach work by community leaders.

Professor Dinesh Bhugra agreed the repeated lockdowns and “mixed messages” from the government had created confusion in the community.

Although some are looking forward to the vaccine, Bhugra explained many were still feel “trapped, low in mind and anxious.”

“Some people have raised concerns about the vaccination because they are worried about side effects and feel the vaccines have been rushed. They need repeated assurances that no short cuts have been taken,” he explained.

“I was asked by several south Asians who appeared suspicious of the vaccination if I would take it, and I have been giving clear messages that I will.”