UKHSA strongly encourages eligible people from ethnic minorities, particularly people from Pakistani and black Caribbean ethnic groups and people living in more deprived areas, to book their flu and COVID-19 shots. This will protect them and their families from the increased risks of these infections during the winter.
Data from UKHSAIts report on inequalities in flu and COVID-19 emergency hospital admission rates in England, published yesterday, shows that for both COVID-19 and flu, emergency hospital admission rates were higher for people living in the most deprived areas compared to people living in the least deprived areas. For influenza, there were also persistent differences in emergency hospital admission rates between ethnic groups.
In the winter of 2022 to 2023, for influenza, the Pakistani ethnic group had emergency hospital admission rates that were on average 2.7 times higher than the white ethnic group. Black, African, Caribbean or Black British ethnicities had rates of emergency hospital admission for influenza that were on average 1.6 times higher than the white ethnic group.
Influenza admission rates were 2.6 times higher and COVID-19 admission rates 2.1 times higher for people living in more deprived areas compared to less deprived.
This report describes disparities in emergency hospital admission rates. It does not take into account the underlying factors that may lead to differences between groups, so it does not aim to explain why these disparities exist. From previous research, we know that the underlying causes of health inequalities are complex, with multiple and overlapping factors. This includes the impact of existing social and economic inequalities, the coverage of healthcare interventions such as vaccination, and pre-existing health conditions.
This analysis sets the stage for further research. There is a need for closer examination of the contribution of the underlying reasons for these risks during winter. Further work is also needed to provide interventions, such as vaccination, to alleviate the effects of these infections.
In addition, this analysis provides information on local health care systems, including Integrated Care Councils (ICBs) and Public Health Directors, to consider the relevance of these national findings at the local level.
Together, these findings highlight the urgent need to improve vaccine coverage across ethnic groups and levels of deprivation to reduce the risks associated with both influenza and COVID-19.
Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Immunization at UKHSA he said:
Getting both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines provides the best protection against the virus this winter.
We continue to encourage eligible individuals and groups, especially those from ethnic minorities, to be vaccinated against these preventable diseases.
For the week ending 26 November 2023, although 75.2% of people aged 65 and over in England had received the flu shot, just over a third of those in clinical risk groups. and less than a third of pregnant women had been vaccinated. More than two-thirds of people aged 65 and over have been vaccinated against COVID-19 during the autumn campaign.
It’s important to get vaccinated before the flu starts circulating, so we strongly urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
Dr Shona Arora, Director of Health Equity and Clinical Governance at UKHSA he said:
The differences we have seen, with higher rates of hospital admissions between Pakistanis and black, African, Caribbean or black British ethnicities and people living in more deprived areas, are worrying.
If you’ve been invited to do so, book your flu and COVID-19 shots via the NHS website, the NHS app or by calling 119.
Both vaccines can really help protect you and your family from serious illness.”
Dr Salman Waqar, GP and President of the British Islamic Medical Association, said:
Our faith encourages us to consider the effects of our actions on the people around us. That’s why we encourage eligible Muslim children, vulnerable adults and people over 65 not to delay their decision to get free vaccinations against COVID-19 and seasonal flu. Take this offer to reduce your chances of hospitalization this winter.
We know that many people in our community have religious concerns about the porcine content of children’s flu nasal spray, but they should know that the flu shot for both children and adults is free and can be requested.”
Vaccination is a key preventive intervention for influenza and COVID-19. Previously published UKHSA Vaccine uptake data show differences in influenza and COVID-19 vaccine coverage. Among people aged 65 and over, only 55% of the Pakistani ethnic group and 49% of the black Caribbean ethnic group received the flu vaccine in the winter of 2022 to 2023, compared with 84% of the white British group .
Both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time. To ensure the highest level of protection, it is important to get both vaccines as soon as possible to protect yourself over the winter. This means you are protected when infections are more widespread.
You can book your appointment for your COVID-19 and flu vaccination online by downloading the NHS app or by calling 119 if you can’t log in. You can also book your flu shot by finding a local pharmacy or through your doctor’s office.
With strong UK and global studies supporting the very good safety profile and benefits of both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines, ethnic minorities should not be left behind.
