Abstract

Aim:
Manchester Royal Infirmary is a tertiary centre in central Manchester. Our centre has experienced a steep rise in Covid-19 related admissions in recent weeks. The aim of this analysis was to identify and highlight inequalities in vaccination amongst inpatients, relate this to disease severity, compare to the wider community demographic and use this data as a driving force for implementing measures to improve vaccine uptake locally in collaboration with primary care networks.
Methods:
We retrospectively analysed data from inpatients with a positive PCR for SARS-CoV-2 who were residing in hospital during the week beginning 21st June. Where available, details surrounding patient demographics, illness severity, vaccine status and outcomes were obtained from electronic/paper records.
Preliminary results: (Analysis ongoing)
72 inpatients in total (mean age 55yrs) had a positive PCR test: 100% of cases were confirmed as the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant where sequencing results were available. Only 23.6% had completed the vaccination schedule prior to admission. A further 18.1% had received one vaccine. 58.3% of patients had not received any doses. 73.6% developed covid pneumonitis. Rates of pneumonitis were higher in unvaccinated vs fully vaccinated patients (76.2% vs 47.1%). 52.1% were non-caucasian, predominantly South Asian and Afro-Caribbean ethnicities. 68% from a non-caucasian background were unvaccinated, representing 60% of unvaccinated patients. 73.3% of ICU admissions were non-caucasian. Patients had complex beliefs surrounding vaccination: the most common reason cited for hesitancy was fear of side effects.
Conclusion:
Patients from a BAME background are still being disproportionately affected by Covid-19 in Manchester with higher admission rates than expected of the local population and higher rates of ICU admission. Lower rates of vaccine uptake and ongoing vaccine hesitancy appears to be contributing to persisting inequalities during the current infection wave. Measures to improve local vaccine uptake should include a particular focus on targeting this group.