The government has said charity engagement is vital to its efforts to boost vaccine uptake among “vulnerable and under-served groups”.
So far the government's Covid-19 vaccination strategy has achieved a 75% uptake rate but concerns remain that this rate is lower among some communities.
To “raise awareness of how the NHS is making vaccination accessible to all, especially ethnic minorities, homeless people, asylum seekers and those with disabilities”, the government has announced a new vaccine uptake plan.
This calls for greater use of charities to engage with communities, as well as making strong use of social media, including WhatsApp groups.
“Community leaders are being urged to make clear that an NHS number is not needed to get a jab and that there are a large number of vaccination sites spread right across the country that people can go to,” said the government.
“Over 98% of the UK population now lives within 10 miles of a vaccination site.”
Charities already involved
The government’s new uptake plan reveals a raft of examples where charities and community groups are already involved in boosting vaccine uptake. Ministers hope that other local areas replicate their success.
This includes the work of the OneSlough partnership, involving Slough Council for Voluntary Service, Slough Borough Council and local health commissioners. This partnership set up a network of community champions to support communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the virus. Their work has been to champion the vaccine to help “dispel any vaccine myths and disinformation”.
“The partnership has also trained some champions as volunteers at vaccination centres themselves to support logistics and community engagement on the ground,” added the plan.
Another example is work in Bradford that has involved community groups in encouraging vaccine uptake among ethnic minority communities. This has included the use of WhatsApp groups to share messages from “trusted community voices”.
Vaccine deployment minister Nadhim Zahawi added: “We recognise that some groups feel more hesitant about getting a jab, or have more barriers, both physical and mental, preventing them from accessing one when it’s offered.
Each shot in the arm brings us closer to beating this terrible virus. That’s why we are setting out our plan to make sure everyone is protected equally, by working hand in hand with those who know their communities best to make sure as many people as possible take up the offer of a lifesaving vaccination.
NHS trauma surgeon and volunteer vaccinator Dr Martin Griffiths said it was particularly important that people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities are vaccinated as they are “disproportionately affected by Covid”.
Meanwhile, equalities minister Kemi Badoenoch added: “Life-saving vaccines need the trust and confidence of every community to protect us all from the virus. That is why the government is working with local figures, faith leaders, and doctors to combat misinformation and encourage everyone to get vaccinated.”
St John Ambulance
In January it emerged that St John Ambulance had recruited 30,000 volunteers to support the government’s vaccination roll out.
https://www.charitytimes.com/ct/St-John-Ambulance-recruits-30000-volunteers-for-Covid-19-vaccination-roll-out.php
#StJohnPeople are playing an essential role at vaccination centres across the country, by administering injections and caring for people before, during and after their jabs. We are incredibly proud of how they’re assisting the @NHSEngland COVID-19 vaccination programme. pic.twitter.com/X5c3wK98hh
— St John Ambulance (@stjohnambulance) January 19, 2021
“St John Ambulance's highly skilled volunteers have been working to support the NHS throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Now we're helping to deliver a national vaccination programme,” said the charity.
“To do this we're training more than 30,000 volunteers. Using our longstanding expertise, we are empowering people with vital clinical skills and the confidence to use them.”
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