COVID-19 Vaccination and Ukrainian Refugees in Poland during Russian–Ukrainian War—Narrative Review

Abstract

The outbreak of the Russian–Ukrainian war contributed to the largest migration movement in the 21st century. As a result, over 3 million refugees, mainly women, children and the elderly, arrived in Poland in a short space of time. Despite the ongoing war, it is important to remember that the COVID-19 pandemic is still present in the world, and before the outbreak of the war, Ukraine was struggling with its fifth wave. Furthermore, Ukraine has one of the lowest vaccination rates in Europe, not exceeding 40%. It is, therefore, reasonable to suspect that the vast majority of migrants have not been vaccinated. This situation may pose a significant epidemiological risk. Therefore, it is necessary to implement appropriate steps to determine the vaccination status of refugees and to supplement the vaccination with both the core and booster doses. In response to these needs, the government of Poland, like many other countries, has made it possible to provide free COVID-19 vaccination to persons fleeing war. In the face of massive migration, the overriding priority should be to ensure adequate medical care for refugees, including free COVID-19 vaccinations. However, it seems that the lack of willingness to vaccinate among Ukrainians is also replicated on migration. It seems reasonable that appropriate steps should be taken to increase awareness and confidence in vaccination, which may ultimately translate into increased vaccination uptake. Analyzing previous experiences, it is advisable to consider that the first step should be to promote vaccination and remind refugees of the possibility of free COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, refugees should be encouraged to be vaccinated during every contact with health care workers.

COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance among Vulnerable Groups: Syrian Refugees in Jordan

“…The healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries are overburdened and suffer from insufficient financial support [ 7 ]. Moreover, low- and middle-income countries host over 83% of worldwide refugees [ 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”

Ukraine's triple emergency: Food crisis amid conflicts and COVID‐19 pandemic

“…15 In children, the impact of conflicts has caused major disruption to immunization programs including COVID-19 in children above 5 years of age. 15 Furthermore, severely ill COVID-19 patients living in territories where hostilities are taking place do not have the opportunity to seek medical help because medical facilities have been bombed, and medical personnel are limited. 16 Due to the conflicts going on between Russia and Ukraine, countries like Myanmar which have also been under a coup d'etat and COVID-19 fail to import vaccines from Russia rendering them victims of the war within and conflicts of Ukraine and Russia.…”

“…By February 25, only 34.07% of Ukrainians were vaccinated, making it the least‐vaccinated country in Europe 15,27 . The 5th COVID‐19 wave in Ukraine due to omicron started in mid‐January 2021 expected to last up to April 15,28 . At the nearby end of February, weekly new infections reached 26,7391 29 .…”

“…15,27 The 5th COVID-19 wave in Ukraine due to omicron started in mid-January 2021 expected to last up to April. 15,28 At the nearby end of February, weekly new infections reached 26,7391. 29 The Ukrainian government has signed up the contract as an effort for more vaccination importation and consider children's vaccinations when approved.…”

“…The challenge have been less vaccination coverage, this is due to less need to get immunized and insecurities toward the vaccine. 15,26 COVID-19 cases in Ukraine have escalated since Russian's aggression in the country. By February 25, only 34.07% of Ukrainians were vaccinated, making it the leastvaccinated country in Europe.…”