FALSE: DO NOT SHARE
Claim:
The UK Government will be targeting BAME people for COVID-19 vaccination.
Answer:
Misleading. The UK Government has said it will protect at-risk people first, should a vaccine become available.
FURTHER INFORMATION
A WhatsApp message claims that the UK Government will be targeting BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) communities for vaccination, once a COVID-19 vaccination has been approved for use by the public. The message also raises concerns about side-effects and whether you can opt out of vaccination.
This is misleading, the Government has said ethnic minorities could be among several categories of at-risk people, such as frontline NHS staff and patients, who should be protected first if a vaccine becomes available. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “As we learn more about the virus, we’ll continue to take into account which groups may be particularly vulnerable – including, for example, those from ethnic minority backgrounds, so we can protect the most at-risk first, should a vaccine become available.”
There is some evidence that some groups are particularly susceptible to COVID-19, a Public Health England paper found BAME people were up to 50% more likely to die after contracting COVID-19. According to the NHS, vaccines are the most effective way to prevent infectious diseases.
Scientific research is being conducted around the world to develop and test a vaccine to prevent people infected by the coronavirus [Sar-CoV-2] developing the COVID-19 illness. No vaccine has yet been approved for general use although several are going through clinical trial stages. The UK Government has signed agreements with pharmaceutical companies so that millions of people could be vaccinated against coronavirus once a COVID-19 vaccine is approved for general use. The vaccine trials in Oxford have so far shown no dangerous side effects, with some patients developing a mild fever or headache.
SOURCES
NHS: Coronavirus vaccine research
BBC News: Coronavirus – Oxford vaccine triggers immune response
Origins of Claim
FULL TEXT OF CLAIM
“Wider COVID-19 vaccine trial is due to start in next couple of weeks in the UK. Last week, the Health minister, Matt Hancock announced that BAME communities are the first target group for the vaccination.
This week, GPs have been instructed to target BAME communities, especially Afro-Carribeans. Similar to annual flu vaccine, it should be OPTIONAL to accept or decline the COVID-19 vaccination.
Given the unknowns health risks about the virus and the vaccine, it’s important that you question your GP thoroughly if they offer you the vaccine.
Ask your GP for written guidance about the side effects of the vaccines and tell them you’ll need time to consider.
If you decide to accept COVID-19, you will likely be advised to sign a medical waiver which indemnifies UK Govt / NHS from any legal ramifications in case you suffer any health related side effects or you die as a result of taking the vaccine.
Vaccinations will also be carried out in schools and BAME children are 1st target group. Please inform your child’s school in writing that they must obtain written parental consent from you before offering any vaccination to your child.
Also, please inform warn your children.
Please share.”