WORCESTER leaders are encouraging those of ethnic minority backgrounds to get vaccinated, as new national figures suggest people from minority groups were less likely to have received a second dose.

The figures, from the Office for National Statistics , showed that doses given to those from a white British background is at 96.3%.

In comparison, those identifying with a black African, black Caribbean, Pakistani or Bangladeshi background were between 82.4% and 87%.

Mohammed Iqbal, secretary of the Worcester Muslim Welfare Association said: "We have been actively working with trusted partners in promoting the uptake of Covid Vaccines.

"Debunking disinformation was tackled in the early stages when vaccines became available, we still continue to engage the positives of vaccines within our sermons and social media".

He said within Worcester, the Muslim community have had a "positive" to vaccinations. Mr Iqbal said: "Compared to many other cities with lower uptake from ethnic minority groups, Worcester has been responsive, the community makeup is much smaller, demographically well spread out and potential challenges could be effectively managed.

"There will be challenges with certain age groups who hold different views on vaccines, for example, the lack of trust with data, side effects, effectiveness, the government rushing and imposing vaccines as one of many concerns".

Dr. Jason Seewoodhary, a city GP, said the vaccine hesitancy within BAME backgrounds come from "mistrust and misinformation".

He said: "Other concerns BAME patients have about COVID-19 vaccines include religious acceptability, for example, whether they contain ingredients that are not halal.

"Some fear the vaccines can change your DNA. Of course, these fears are irrational and wrong but can spread easily and rapidly particularly on social media.

"The government recognises the barriers to vaccine acceptance amongst BAME communities and recommends various methods GP’s can use to counter these effectively".