Oxford GP's Covid conspiracy warning

A recent study by the Royal Society for Public Health confirmed that uptake of the jab amongst the BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) community is significantly lower than white communities and Dr Amar Latif is working with Oxford City Council to correct this locally.

Dr Latif who is also a clinical lead for long-term conditions at Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, has been taking part in a range of educational videos to tackle misinformation.

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He warned that false claims about the contents of vaccines being spread on social media and difficulties accessing healthcare services contribute to patients not attending clinics or being reluctant to come forward for vaccinations.

In addition, Dr Latif pointed out that a 'language barrier' is also a major factor.

The GP added: "I am from a BAME background myself and I work in Oxford, so people know me and some of them have been in touch directly with questions.

"Some of the concerns are due to misinformation being spread via social media.

READ MORE: Anti-vaccination leaflets delivered to Oxford homes

"But I am very pleased to say that lots of patients who have been in touch with us have changed their minds and are now willing to take the jab.

"People just get a lot of information and sometimes they do not know what to believe."

The GP also encouraged patients who may have concerns about the vaccine to get in touch with healthcare professionals.

Commenting on anti-vaccination leaflets that were distributed in Oxford last week, Dr Latif said that he was 'very disappointed' as the spread of false claims can hurt BAME communities.

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