Mobilizing COVID-19 Vaccination Partnerships for Newcomer Refugees and Immigrants in the Calgary, Canada Area, 2021-2022.

Abstract

The COVID-19 public health emergency challenged the capacity for public health systems to vaccinate newcomer refugees and immigrants in the Calgary, Canada, area. In response, community-health partnerships emerged in 2021-2022 to provide accessible, culturally responsive, and adapted services for community members. This research highlights community mobilization and partnerships' role in COVID-19 vaccine delivery for newcomer refugees and immigrants, including challenges faced and lessons learned. Researchers conducted structured interviews with Government Assisted Refugees (GARs), and semi-structured interviews with Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSRs), private refugee sponsors, and diverse health and community informants involved in COVID-19 vaccine responses. Thematic analysis highlighted themes related to partnership development, strategies and actions of partnerships, alignment with World Health Organization recommendations, and partnership benefits and challenges. Multiple newcomer-specific vaccination models were developed through various community-based partnerships. The roles of community partners included information translation and transmission, outreach, and advocacy. Partnerships faced challenges, including existing infrastructure and inequitable policies for COVID-19 vaccine distribution. These existing elements required substantial advocacy to be more equitable in their outcomes. This research highlights how gaps in the public health system during early vaccination efforts catalyzed communities to mobilize and drove the creation of community-health partnerships in the Calgary area. These partnerships were effective at facilitating vaccine uptake through innovative, community-informed and culturally-responsive approaches. A key concern remains that, despite learnings and changes to COVID-19 vaccination systems, the health system has not sufficiently integrated changes to address equity in the long term.