An exploration of COVID-19 vaccination models for newcomer refugees and immigrants in Calgary, Canada
Abstract
The World Health Organization stresses the need for tailored COVID-19 models of vaccination to meet the needs of diverse populations and ultimately reach high rates of vaccination. However, little evidence exists on how COVID-19 models of vaccination operated in the novel context of the pandemic, how vulnerable populations, such as refugees, experience COVID-19 vaccination systems in high-income countries, and what lessons may be learned from vaccination efforts with vulnerable populations. To address this gap, this study explored COVID-19 vaccine delivery models available to newcomer refugees and immigrants, and refugee experiences across diferent COVID-19 vaccine delivery models in Calgary, Canada, and surrounding area in 2021 and 2022, to understand the barriers, strengths, and strategies of models to support access to COVID-19 vaccination for newcomer refugees and immigrants. Structured interviews with Government Assisted Refugees (n=39), and semistructured interviews with Privately Sponsored Refugees (n=6), private refugee sponsors (n=3), and stakeholders involved in vaccination systems (n=13) were conducted in 2022. Thematic analysis was conducted to draw out themes related to barriers, strengths, and strategies of vaccine delivery models and the intersections with patient experiences. Newcomer refugee and immigrant focused vaccination models and strategies were explored. They demonstrated how partnerships between organizations, multi-pronged approaches, and culturally responsive services were crucial to navigate ongoing and emergent factors, such as vaccine hesitancy, mandates, and other determinants of under-vaccination. Many vaccination models presented through interviews were not specific to refugees and included immigrants, temporary residents, ethnocultural community members, and other vulnerable populations in their design. Increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake for newcomer refugees and immigrants, is complex and requires trust, ongoing information provision, and local partnerships to address ongoing and emerging factors. Three key policy implications were drawn.
Notes
Future research / gaps identified: This is an exploratory study, thus much research is still required on this topic.
Key populations: Refugees and immigrants who now live in Calgary, AB
Location: Calgary, AB
Community organizations:
1) Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS)
2) Alberta International Medical Graduates Association (AIMGA)
3) Mosaic Refugee Health Clinic
Integration timeline: Not defined
Key findings:
1) Navigating under-vaccination required partnerships between organizations, multi-pronged approaches, and culturally responsive services.
2) Many vaccination models were not specific to refugees.
3) Increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake for newcomer refugees and immigrants is complex and requires trust, ongoing information provision, and local partnerships.
Key recommendations:
1) Develop flexible funding to offer outreach, translation, cultural interpretation, and to meet the basic needs of patients prior to engaging in vaccinations.
2) Embed culturally responsive strategies within services ensures community needs are met.
3) Collaborate with partners that reflect the diverse needs of communities.
Open access: Yes