Views on Covid and flu vaccinations from Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities

Healthwatch Croydon received funding by NHS England to understand the views of Covid and Flu vaccinations with Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities in Croydon. The communities have had historical lower uptakes for both Covid and Flu vaccines as well as other vaccination programme. They interviewed 15 people from these communities.

There were a range of opinions on the importance of being vaccinated.

• Most had taken the childhood vaccinations or ones needed for travel because it was expected, insisted upon, or required for travel. As Covid or Flu are not so well established or tested over so many years there is less confidence.
• Eleven of the 15 interviewed said they had taken the Covid vaccine, but only six had taken the Flu vaccine. It may be that they did not rate the Flu as serious of Covid, as Flu had not required lockdowns and restrictions.
• Most would not want to have both Covid and Flu injections on the same day due to a risk of feeling worse.  
• Some would take the yearly Flu vaccinations, and some are less sure about it.
• Of those who wanted a Covid vaccine most found it easy, but some found it more difficult to get a Flu one.
• Planning decisions on vaccination were varied: Some focused on the environment of where this would take place and safety. Others were more concerned about accessibility and convenience and fitting it in with their lives.  
• There was a definite fear factor about Covid based much on what respondents saw in the news and within the own network of families and friends, as well as work settings.
• Second booster: The overriding concern was of side effects based on experience of already had the vaccination.
• Additional doses: Again, there were a range of views based very much on previous experience and trust not necessarily in the vaccination but the health system that is behind it.
• Other people’s opinion: Many agree that they make their own decisions. Family influencers for some are a key factor and others are just interested in other’s experience.
• Role of healthcare professionals: Nearly all had healthcare professionals to help them decide.
• Improvements they would like to see: Some wish to see their own views respected. Some wanted evidence that the Covid vaccine was needed but most suggested improvements around promoting its effectiveness and safety. Being honest about the side effects and transparent about how it was produced was important and to make it clear that it was Halal.
• Other points: Some raised concerns that a person’s immigration status may affect their ability to get vaccinations, or that may be a barrier to getting it as it means sharing details with key authorities.
• Reaction to the letter is very much in context: Those who had negative experiences or view found it pressuring particularly in the context of the other communications they were receiving. Others found it more inviting and were happy with references to Halal and the option of speaking in Urdu. Bengali speakers expressed to have this in their language.