Have there been stats from each demographic released? I know its everywhere at the min that 15% of the BAME community are refusing. But I find it hard to believe it would be significantly higher than those not of that community refusing? I suspected takeup might not be as good as planned though, due to the 'politicians answers' that have been given on the topic when takeup is asked about on the news. I am actually a bit surprised at this being publicized..as it could very well lead to even more refusals, once people know its not too uncommon to refuse.
Either way, I don't really see it as selfish. Especially given while the vaccines appear to somewhat stop spread (or its looking that way anyway), they were marketted as 'will make infection less severe', in which case, someone saying no doesn't affect others. Also I feel a bit uncomfortable labelling people selfish for having an..unknown medical procedure really. Yeah vaccines are common and generally safe, but there are a LOT of (mainly older..so not as likely to be influenced by social media conspiracy posts either) people who feel its all been rushed..might have side effects..say they will get it months down the line when theres more data..etc. Have been having issues trying to persuade my mother in law that really, its not going to be too much different to the flu vaccine. It doesn't really help that the person in her street who has had it, claims they were told that if they feel spaced out for a few days, thats normal
Clearly they remembered that wrong, or misheard, but stuff like that is properly panicking a few in that area..I have said I do not for a second believe it, and there must be a mistake. Have compromised slightly on..if the GP tells her that also, actually says it, then she should refuse at that stage. But its just such a silly rumour. Mind, there have been multiple very serious issues at our doctors for almost a year now, so I can maybe believe some arsehole working there has said something 'joking' and its been taken seriously or something..
Luckily we will likely be able to get away with a fairly large proportion of people turning it down. We don't need 100% protection, and some will now have natural protection anyway.
I don't see this as too much of a problem while the numbers remain low. We would have an issue if it was like..50% of people saying no though.
Am actually now wondering, if the amount of people refusing..is why it seems to now be the plan to vaccinate all over 18s. If 'the vulnerable' were covered, that would be good enough really, but if many of 'the vulnerable' refuse to get it, then the rest of us will need to do it instead.