Voices of the Seldom Heard: Experiences of the Covid-19 Vaccination Programme
Download (PDF 9.92 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen, Healthwatch Blackpool, Healthwatch Cumbria and Healthwatch Lancashire were asked by the Lancashire and South Cumbria ICS to engage with seldom-heard communities and individuals, to gather their experiences of the Covid-19 vaccination programme, whether people chose to have the vaccination and factors which informed their decision. They spoke to 1,216 members of the public, via 122 case studies, 46 focus groups and 596 online survey responses.
The research identified the following themes:
- Some people had concerns about the lack of testing, research and information around the long-term effects, safety, and efficacy of the Covid-19 vaccine.
- People felt there was a lack of consistent and accurate information and messaging.
- There were concerns about the immediate side-effects of the vaccine.
- People were tired of discussing the topic or they did not trust that their opinion would be viewed as valid.
- Some people felt that one or two doses of the vaccine were adequate, as people are reluctant to repeatedly get the vaccine.
- Pressure of family, media and government influenced people’s decisions, as well as the desire to travel, work and to attend social events.
- There were accessibility issues regarding location and organisation of vaccination sites, language barriers, lack of suitable information formats and booking options.
The report contains 19 recommendations about access to the vaccination, including interpreters, communication and education and cultural competency.