COVID-19 vaccinations, trust, and vaccination decisions within the refugee community of Calgary, Canada
Abstract
Refugee decisions to vaccinate for COVID-19 are a complex interplay of factors which include individual perceptions, access barriers, trust, and COVID-19 specific factors, which contribute to lower vaccine uptake. To address this, the WHO calls for localized solutions to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake for refugees and evidence to inform future vaccination efforts. However, limited evidence engages directly with refugees about their experiences with COVID-19 vaccinations. To address this gap, researchers conducted qualitative interviews (N = 61) with refugees (n = 45), sponsors of refugees (n = 3), and key informants (n = 13) connected to local COVID-19 vaccination efforts for refugees in Calgary. Thematic analysis was conducted to synthesize themes related to vaccine perspectives, vaccination experiences, and patient intersections with policies and systems. Findings reveal that refugees benefit from ample services that are delivered at various stages, that are not solely related to vaccinations, and which create multiple positive touch points with health and immigration systems. This builds trust and vaccine confidence and promotes COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Despite multiple factors affecting vaccination decisions, a key reason for vaccination was timely and credible information delivered through trusted intermediaries and in an environment that addressed refugee needs and concerns. As refugees placed trust and relationships at the core of decision-making and vaccination, it is recommended that healthcare systems work through trust and relationships to reach refugees. This can be targeted through culturally responsive healthcare delivery that meets patients where they are, including barrier reduction measures such as translation and on-site vaccinations, and educational and outreach partnerships with private groups, community organizations and leaders.
Notes
Location: Calgary, AB
Open access: Yes
Community organizations:
1) Habitus Consulting Collective
2) Alberta International Medical Graduates Association (AIMGA)
3) Mosaic Refugee Health Clinic
Future research / gaps identified:
Findings are not generalizable as it is qualitative study. Furthermore, the majority of participants were Afghan refugees and other Privately Sponsored Refugees as a result of the community organizations partnerships that facilitated recruitment.
Key populations: refugees in Calgary, AB
Integration timeline: not defined
Key findings:
Themes fell into 3 areas, which were further divided into points:
1) Individual factors
a) Concerns about side effects
b) Personal disbelief in vaccine necessity or effectiveness
c) Concerns about risks to subpopulations
d) Fear of COVID-19
2) Interpersonal factors
a) (Mis)information
b) Desire to protect others
c) Influence of family members
3) Community factors
a) Information overload
b) Access to evidence-based information
c) Secondary info sources & personal networks
d) Pre-migration experiences
e) Fatigue, indifference & booster-specific hesistancy
Key recommendations:
1) Engage refugee communities in relationship and trust building with public health efforts like vaccinations
2) Create tailored approaches for refugees, which may also bridge clients to mainstream services in the future.