The Prince of Wales expressed concern about the ‘variable absorption’ of the Covid-19 vaccine in some ethnic minority communities.
Prince Charles, 72, who along with the Duchess of Cornwall, 73, had his first coronavirus injection, described the number of 100,000 deaths in the UK, considered last month as a “very serious milestone”.
The comments from the heir to the throne are in a speech he is giving this week on the British Asian Trust Webinar: Vacid-19 Vaccine – Facts for the BAME Community.
Charles, the founding patron of the British Asian Trust (BAT), will say: ‘In view of my concern for the health and well-being of our ethnic minority communities, I am delighted to be able to present this crucially important discussion about vaccination.
The Prince of Wales (photographed at a vaccination center in December) expressed concern about the ‘variable absorption’ of the Covid-19 vaccine in some ethnic minority communities
“Everyone present today represents the collective effort that we have made as a society to combat this relentless pandemic.
‘Over the past year, we have all been inspired by countless reports of dedication to duty, not only from those who worked tirelessly in our wonderful National Health Service, or in social assistance, but also in all forms of public service, as well as – course – in business, industry, commerce and the voluntary sector.
“We need all the reservations of your selfless service and commitment to help defeat this pernicious threat.”
In his speech, which will be delivered by video message on Thursday, he will add: ‘Recently, I fear that we have reached a very worrying milestone in this seemingly endless campaign, as we have marked the tragic loss of a hundred thousand souls.
‘It is clear that the virus has affected all parts of the country and all sectors of society – but it is also clear that there are specific challenges faced in certain sectors of our society, especially in some ethnic minority communities.
“What saddens me even more is knowing that these challenges are becoming even worse with the variable intake of vaccines, which finally offer us a way out of last year’s suffering.”
Prince Charles, 72, who together with the Duchess of Cornwall, 73 (pictured together in December) had his first coronavirus injection, described the number of 100,000 deaths in the UK, considered last month as a ‘most worrying milestone’ ‘
Clarence House confirmed during the week that Charles and Camilla received their first Covid-19 vaccinations.
With more than 70 years, the couple is in the fourth priority group for the launch of jabs.
Confirmation came after the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh received the injection last month, announced in an unusual move by Buckingham Palace, which rarely comments on the private health issues of the 94-year-old head of state and his consort, 99.
Charles had already said that “for sure” he would receive the Covid-19 vaccine when it was offered to him.
He and his eldest son, Prince William, contracted the coronavirus during the first wave of the pandemic.
Charles was described as having mild symptoms and lost his sense of taste and smell for a period, while William was hit “hard” by the virus.
Comments from the heir to the throne, who is the royal founding patron of the British Asian Trust (BAT), are in a speech he is giving this week on the BAT Webinar: Vacid-19 Vaccine – Facts for the BAME Community
There has been concern in the government about the rate of vaccine absorption among some communities – including some ethnic minorities.
Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England’s national medical director, said he urges everyone who receives a letter to receive the vaccine without hesitation.
He said the authorities have been working with religious groups and local community leaders to encourage everyone to come forward.
‘Don’t hesitate at all. These vaccines are safe, are effective against Covid, protect you, protect your loved ones and, of course, help to normalize society again, ‘he said.
The government was urged to prioritize vaccination of ethnic minority groups after surveys showed that people of South Asian origin continued to experience disproportionately high mortality rates from Covid-19.
Recently published research showed that the people of Bangladesh and Pakistan experienced an “alarming” risk of dying from coronavirus in both waves of the pandemic, compared to British whites.
The authors said people from groups in South Asia are more likely to live in underserved areas and in large, multi-generational homes. A greater proportion of Pakistani and Bangladeshi men work as taxi drivers, shopkeepers and owners than any other ethnic origin – occupations with a higher risk of exposure to the coronavirus.