As many as two in five under 30 in Brighton and Hove have yet to receive a Covid-19 vaccine, according to the figures.
Despite renewed calls from politicians and a slew of pop-up vaccination centers across the country, the latest national statistics suggest hesitation among some people between the ages of 18 and 29.
NHS England data shows that in Brighton and Hove, 40,635 people aged 18-29 had received a first dose of a vaccine by August 7 – at least 60% of the age range, based on number of people on the National Immunization Management Service.
Figures suggest reluctance to vaccinate among those under 30
That meant that about 40 percent of that cohort had not yet received a jab by this stage, compared to 27 percent among adults of all ages.
Across the Southeast, 33% of people aged 18 to 29 had not received a first vaccine as of August 7.
All adults in England can reserve a first dose of the vaccine since June 17.
Professor Adam Finn, a member of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization, believes that many young people believe they are safe from the virus despite a recent increase in hospital admissions from Covid, and has warned people “not to die out of ignorance”.
The low vaccination rate among young people comes amid an NHS England warning that more than a fifth of people currently admitted to hospital with Covid-19 are between 18 and 34 years old – a figure four times higher than the peak of last winter.
Chief Executive Officer Amanda Pritchard said the vaccines had a “major impact” in preventing people from going to hospital and saving lives.
Professor Finn, who advises the government on the vaccination program, said he felt many young adults were at no risk of contracting the virus, unlike those in older groups.
He said: “We are now seeing young, healthy people getting seriously ill, so it would be correct to adjust that perception.
“It’s important not to die of ignorance – if you really know the facts about the disease and the facts about vaccinations, going and getting the shot is a no-brainer.”
Government efforts to get young adults to come forward for a first vaccine include plans for a Covid vaccine passport that would make full vaccination a requirement for entry to nightclubs and other places from the end of September. .
Pop-up vaccination centers have also opened across the country recently, while food delivery company Deliveroo and taxi company Uber have both been enlisted to provide discounted meals and rides to customers if they receive a blow.
Professor Finn said some of the incentives were ‘carrot and stick’ ideas and warned that forcing people to get vaccinated could have adverse consequences.
“At the end of the day, vaccines are good things and something that people should want and accept,” he said.
In the south-east, Oxford had the highest estimated proportion of people aged 18 to 29 without bites as of August 7 – 50 percent. Meanwhile, Hart had the lowest, at 21%.
The government said it was working to provide information and advice “at every opportunity” to boost immunization among young people.
Vaccine Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “Getting both doses of the vaccine is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and avoid unknowingly passing the virus on to someone who may be more vulnerable to it. Covid-19. ”
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Source: www.theargus.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-08-11 11:26:16
