Open AccessThe COVID-19 vaccination experience of non-English speaking immigrant and refugee communities of color: A community co-created study
Author(s) -
Yesmina Salib,
Joseph Amodei,
Claudia Lara,
Ximena Alejandra Castillo Smyntek,
Marian Lien,
Sabrina Liu,
Geeta Acharya,
Benoit Kihumbu,
Pralad Mishra,
Diego ChavesGnecco,
Khara Timsina,
Jenny Diaz,
Constanza Henry,
Erin Mickievicz,
Aweys Mwaliya,
Ken Ho,
Jaime E. Sidani,
Maya I. Ragavan
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
community health equity research and policy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2752-5368
pISSN - 2752-535X
DOI - 10.1177/2752535x221133140
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , focus group , refugee , immigration , vaccination , covid-19 , psychology , qualitative research , medicine , public relations , sociology , political science , disease , immunology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , social science , pathology , anthropology , law
In this community-partnered study we conducted focus groups with non-English speaking immigrant and refugee communities of color in 4 languages to understand their perspectives on COVID-19 vaccines, barriers to accessing vaccines, and recommendations for healthcare providers. We used a mixed deductive-inductive thematic analysis approach and human centered design to guide data analysis. 66 individuals participated; 85% were vaccinated. The vaccination experience was often positive; however, participants described language inaccessibility, often relying on family members for interpretation. Community-based organizations played a role in connecting participants to vaccines. Unvaccinated participants expressed fear of side effects and belief in natural immunity. Participants shared recommendations to providers around increasing vaccine access, improving language accessibility, and building trust. Results from our study show numerous barriers immigrant and refugee communities of color faced getting their COVID-19 vaccine, but also highlights opportunities to engage with community partners. Future implications for research, policy, and practice are described.