Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

‘Most of anti-vaxxers jabbed, vaccine confidence spiked among BAMEs’

‘Most of anti-vaxxers jabbed, vaccine confidence spiked among BAMEs’

HALF of all anti-vaxxers in the UK are now jabbed while vaccine confidence has surged among ethnic minorities, a study has found, with numbers tripling among the Muslim community in the country.

While people's hesitancy has waned since the Covid-19 vaccine rollout began six months ago, the confidence has doubled in ethnic minorities, from 36 per cent saying they were ‘certain’ or ‘very likely’ to get jabbed in November-December to 72 per cent who are now saying they are ‘likely to do so’ or ‘already had a jab’, a study by King's College London and the University of Bristol says. The confidence has tripled in Muslims over the same period, from 23 per cent to 67 per cent.


Some 52 per cent of people who said they would not get the vaccine when asked in November and December 2020 are now jabbed while 84 per cent of people who said they were “not very” or “not at all likely” to accept Covid-19 vaccine when asked last year have since been vaccinated, as per the research.

Overall, 94 per cent of those surveyed have taken up the shot when offered.

Dr Siobhan McAndrew, senior lecturer in quantitative social science at the University of Bristol, said that high rates accepting the invitation to take up a vaccine are extremely encouraging.

“There is an apparently large difference in intention to get vaccinated between religious groups, with Muslims, in particular, standing out - but when we control for characteristics associated with religion, such as ethnicity, immigration status, social class and age, these differences are much reduced, suggesting that it's not religious belief in itself that's the driver.”

Researchers surveyed 4,896 UK adults aged 18 to 75 between April 1 and 16 this year, and tracked 1,879 people surveyed last year to see if and why their views had changed. They found that, overall, the public is more likely to say they will get a Covid vaccine than they were last year.

McAndrew pointed out “concrete benefits of being vaccinated in terms of being able to travel and to see family and friends again” as one of the main driving force behind the change of heart along with “social proof.”

“The first people to be vaccinated were the oldest generations, who have a strong sense of civic obligation, and they helped set the norm that you should take up your vaccine when it is your turn", said McAndrew, adding that the confidence of people who were in the wait-and-watch mode in December last year has been “strengthened by the evidence that the vaccine is safe and effective”.

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less