A recent study examined the challenges faced by disabled, transgender, and gender-diverse communities in India when accessing COVID-19 vaccines.

The research highlighted several barriers, including communication gaps, difficulties in vaccine registration, transportation problems, and inadequate infrastructure.

These barriers are part of a broader issue of deep-rooted inequities within the health care system.

The study was carried out by Shareen D’Souza and others from the Health Equity, Advocacy and Research Initiative, Bhopal Hub, SANGHAT, Bhopal, as well as other organisations, and published in Science Direct.

The researchers interviewed 45 individuals from the transgender and disability communities, as well as health system representatives and key stakeholders.

Although India had one of the world’s largest COVID-19 vaccination programmes, as of May 2021, only 5.22% of transgender and gender-diverse persons had been vaccinated, compared to 11.7% in the general population.

According to the study, only 0.03% of people with disabilities had been vaccinated till November 2021.

The study said that both transgender and disabled communities in India are often marginalised due to stigma, discrimination and lack of support, leading to increased rates of unemployment, poverty and health-related problems.

Many depend on unstable jobs such as begging or sex work, which combined with poor health puts them at greater risk of COVID-19 complications, making early vaccination crucial.

The study identified four main barriers

Lack of disability and trans-specific information: Concerns about how the vaccine will affect people who suffer from underlying medical problems or who have had infections highlight gaps in vaccine research and communication. Previous negative experiences with the healthcare system also added to their hesitancy.

Procedural Hurdles: Digital platforms such as CoWIN and Aarogya Setu for vaccine registration were not accessible to all, and the requirement of identity documents created additional challenges for the transgender community.

Transport and Infrastructure Issues: Some people had to travel long distances to reach vaccination centres, faced transportation problems during lockdowns, or found the centres inaccessible.

Misbehavior at Vaccination Centres: Many participants reported they faced discrimination and stigma, with some even being refused services.

The study authors ultimately highlighted the need for more inclusive and accessible health care systems to ensure equitable access to vaccinations for all communities.