Advancing COVID-19 Vaccination Equity Among the Refugee Community: An Innovative Multi-Sector Collaborative Outreach Program.
J Health Care Poor Underserved
; 33(4S): 25-43, 2022.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2196779
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Multi-sector outreach collaborations have the potential to improve COVID-19 vaccine access among underserved populations, including refugees.METHODS:
Using a four-pronged strategy, we offered the local refugee community COVID-19 vaccine appointments within the next week.RESULTS:
Over a thousand (1,327) individuals from more than 20 countries were identified; mean age 36.5 (SD=16.4); 55% female. Initially, 613 (46%) reported being scheduled/vaccinated prior to outreach efforts; 312 (24%) appointments were scheduled that resulted from outreach efforts. By February 2022, 895 (67.4%) of the 1,327 patients had at least one dose; the majority of these were Pfizer (n=750, 84%). Of 895 with first dose, 843 completed two-dose series (94.2%). Overall completion rate of initial series was 63.5%. Reasons for declining (171, 13%) included wanting to speak with a physician or family member first; pregnancy hesitation; postponing until after Ramadan.DISCUSSION:
Although lower than local and state rates, this refugee community's COVID-19 vaccine uptake is on par with the overall population in the United States (65.8%). Because of COVID-19's disproportionately negative impact on refugee and other underserved populations, we offer recommendations for future equity-informed efforts.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Refugees
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Observational study
Topics:
Vaccines
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Pregnancy
Country/Region as subject:
North America
Language:
English
Journal:
J Health Care Poor Underserved
Journal subject:
Health Services
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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