COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Refugees Exposed

Strategic Insights -

A new study has uncovered the multifaceted barriers that refugees in Rhode Island face when seeking healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to poorer health outcomes. The research, conducted by the University of Rhode Island in collaboration with refugee-serving organizations, sheds light on the experiences of refugees from diverse world regions, including Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. The study's findings suggest that feelings of mistrust and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine may have significantly impeded its uptake among refugees.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study, published in Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, involved 60 refugees from 20 to 30 different countries who settled in Rhode Island between 2023 and 2025, with most participants having been in the United States for less than one year.
  • The research used thematic analysis to identify four themes with subthemes related to refugees' experiences of COVID-19 and their beliefs about the vaccine, including feelings of mistrust and concern about vaccine efficacy.
  • The study found that approximately 37% of participants had not received the COVID-19 vaccine, citing concerns about vaccine efficacy and potential side effects.
  • The study's results suggest that culturally tailored interventions can promote improved understanding and confidence in COVID-19 and other vaccines among refugee communities.
  • The study's lead author, Erica Liebermann, emphasized the need for culturally sensitive approaches to addressing vaccine hesitancy among refugee communities.
  • The study's findings have significant implications for public health policy and practice, particularly in regards to refugee health and vaccine distribution.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 100 to 345 refugees from 20 to 30 different countries settle in Rhode Island each year.
  • The study's sample consisted of 60 refugees, with a mean age of 44.4 years.
  • Most participants (55%) were women, and 23% were participants were men.
  • Approximately 37% of participants had not received the COVID-19 vaccine.

Sources:

  • Liebermann, E., et al. (2025). "They were saying that it's the end of the world" Experiences of COVID-19 and beliefs about the COVID-19 vaccine among refugees in Rhode Island, US. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 21(1), 2550097.
  • NewsRx. Recent Findings from University of Rhode Island Advance Knowledge in COVID-19 ("They were saying that it's the end of the world" Experiences of COVID-19 and beliefs about the COVID-19 vaccine among refugees in Rhode Island, US). Vaccine Weekly, September 17, 2025, p 256.