COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among undocumented migrants during the early phase of the vaccination campaign: a multicentric cross-sectional study

Author(s) : Kathleen R. Page, Eleonora Genovese, Matteo Franchi, Silvano Cella, Gianfrancesco Fiorini, Rim Tlili, Sebastian Salazar, Aline Duvoisin, Johann Cailhol, Yves Jackson

Source : http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056591

“The marginalisation of undocumented migrants raises concerns about equitable access to COVID-19 vaccination. This study aims to describe migrants’ hesitancy about the COVID-19 vaccination during the early phase of the vaccination campaign. This multicentric cross-sectional survey was conducted in health facilities providing care to undocumented migrants in the USA, Switzerland, Italy and France in February–May 2021. Eligibility criteria included age >16 years, being of foreign origin and living without valid residency permit in the country of recruitment. A convenience sample of minimum 100 patients per study site was targeted. Data were collected using an anonymous structured questionnaire. The main outcomes were perceived access to the local COVID-19 vaccination programme and demand for vaccination.”