Project #50:
Trends and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 vaccine recipients

The COVID-19 vaccination programme was launched in England on 8th December 2020. Limited information was available on vaccination coverage in detailed demographic and clinical subgroups.

We deployed a data monitoring framework using publicly auditable methods and a secure, in-situ processing model, using linked but pseudonymised patient-level NHS data on 57.9 million patients. We describe vaccine coverage and time trends across a range of subgroups of Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) priority cohorts.

Our study highlights lower vaccination coverage among certain key groups: ethnic minorities, those living in areas of higher deprivation, and individuals living with severe mental illness or learning disabilities; where targeted activity may be needed to ensure equitable protection against COVID-19.