Thursday 4th March 2021
Croydon BME Forum is joining forces with local organisations in a bid to inform the black community about the Covid-19 vaccines following the recent low uptake.
A recent study by the University of Oxford and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found that 21 per cent of black people over the age of 80, who are currently eligible to have the vaccine, have been vaccinated compared to 43 per cent of their white counterparts.
Other studies have found that black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities of all ages are unlikely to have the jab when offered. This is despite research that claims black people are twice as likely to die from the virus.
Croydon BME Forum is partnering with South West London CCG and the Asian Resource Centre to deliver an outreach programme aimed at those from BAME communities to inform and answer questions. Upcoming plans include interactive Zoom events, smaller community sessions held online and video interviews with health experts.
Andrew Brown, CEO at Croydon BME Forum, said: “Covid-19 has disproportionately affected people from ethnic minority backgrounds.
“Many more are dying from the virus, yet many from these communities are refusing to be vaccinated when asked.
“We know many have concerns, which is why they are hesitant to take the vaccine, so over the next few months we will be engaging with local communities to give them a chance to ask experts about the vaccine so that they can make an informed decision.”
On Thursday, February 11 the forum held an event titled ‘Croydon Asks: Should we take the vaccine?’.
