87% Of Vegans In the UK Got At Least One Dose Of Covid-19 Vaccine 

New research by The Vegan Society shows that 62% of UK vegans have had two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. And 25% say hey have received one dose and are waiting to receive the second.

In total, 87% of vegans aged 16 and over have now had at least one dose of the vaccine.

The Vaccination Survey also shows 1 in 10 (10%) haven’t had a single dose of the vaccine yet but is willing to take it. When asked why they have postponed taking a single dose, 33% of this group said they want to wait until full information about the vaccine is available. 20% said they’ve previously had an allergic reaction or bad reaction to a vaccination. 

The exact number (20%) said they have a fear of doctors, needles or medical situations. 

Just 4% of the respondents said that they would not get vaccinated. The top reason for not wanting to get a vaccine is a distrust over whether the vaccine is safe (58%). 

Thirty-five per cent want to wait for more information to be made available, and 29% do not believe the vaccine works at all. Twenty-three per cent of this group stated ethical reasons.

The definition of veganism recognises that it is not always possible for vegans to completely avoid animal use, particularly in medical situations.

Sam Calvert, the spokesperson for The Vegan Society, said: “The Vegan Society understands that the Covid-19 vaccination programme is playing a fundamental role in tackling the pandemic and saving lives. However, as there is currently a legal requirement that all vaccines are tested on animals, all three Covid-19 vaccines available in the UK are not considered vegan as they have used animals in their development and testing[2].”

“Sadly, we don’t yet live in a fully vegan world, and we know that facing these kinds of decisions can be extremely distressing for all vegans. No vegan takes the decision to accept medication that is the result of animal use and testing lightly. Every vegan’s situation is different and we encourage vegans to come to their own decision on this matter, as with all medication, in conjunction with their primary healthcare team.”

Around 69% of the entire UK population (46.2 million people) have received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Currently, booster vaccines are also available for those who have already had two doses. 

Starting in April 2022, it will be compulsory for frontline NHS staff in England to be fully vaccinated against Covid. There is no ‘vegan exemption certificate’, and vegans should be aware that only a court can decide if discrimination has taken place. 

You can read The Vegan Society’s full statement about the Covid-19 vaccines online.