NHS Race and Health Observatory response to The Bureau of Investigative Journalism – undocumented migrants

The NHS Race and Health Observatory has issued a response to The Bureau of Investigative Journalism survey report into undocumented migrants.

Dr Habib Naqvi, director of the NHS Race and Health Observatory said:

“This ad hoc advice is simply not acceptable and is putting the lives of migrants and asylum seekers at risk of Covid-19 whilst also denying them the right to access healthcare they are entitled to.

“There needs to be an urgent investigation to address this issue and look at how many other eligible individuals who want to take the vaccine are being denied it due to a lack of consistency and understanding.

“More than 80 million doses of Covid vaccines have been administered in the UK, with over 50% of people fully vaccinated, the biggest inoculation programme the country has ever launched should not be accidentally excluding anyone. We know that amongst those most at risk of Covid-19 are those more likely to have lower levels of vaccine uptake.

“We need to do all we can to remove barriers and address any inequalities found in accessing Covid-19 vaccinations for our diverse communities”.