Introduction

Vaccine hesitancy continues to pose a significant challenge to public health, threatening herd immunity and the success of immunisation programmes. While much attention has focused on traditionally underserved groups, emerging evidence suggests that vaccine attitudes vary within broader ethnic categories. This study explores the relationship between ethnicity and vaccine hesitancy, with a particular focus on the "White Other" demographic—comprising non-British European populations such as Polish, Irish, Italian, Romanian, and German individuals.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 818 eligible parents and guardians in the UK. Participants completed the validated Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) scale. Vaccine hesitancy scores were analysed across ethnic groups, with particular attention to those identifying as "White Other." The study also examined contributing factors including distrust in healthcare systems, sociopolitical conservatism, structural barriers to healthcare access, and the influence of misinformation—especially via social media.

Results

Respondents identifying as "White Other" recorded higher vaccine hesitancy scores than other ethnic groups. Key influences included limited trust in the NHS, conservative sociopolitical views, and restricted access to adequately resourced health services. Safety concerns and exposure to misinformation further exacerbated hesitancy. While the cross-sectional design provided valuable insights into parental attitudes, limitations included reliance on self-reported data and potential selection bias associated with digital survey methods.

Discussion

These findings challenge prevailing assumptions about vaccine-hesitant populations and highlight the need for more nuanced, culturally responsive approaches. The "White Other" category encompasses diverse communities whose experiences and concerns may be overlooked in mainstream public health discourse. Addressing vaccine hesitancy in these groups requires tailored interventions that consider both structural inequalities and cultural dynamics. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs to better capture evolving attitudes and focus on subgroups within the "White Other" category.

Conclusion

This study contributes to a deeper understanding of vaccine hesitancy among under-researched populations in the UK. By identifying key attitudinal and structural drivers, it underscores the importance of inclusive communication strategies, improved healthcare accessibility, and community engagement. These insights are vital for advancing vaccine equity and strengthening public health responses.