Delivery of immunization services for refugees and migrants: technical guidance

Abstract

This technical guidance outlines current best practice, evidence and knowledge in order to support policy and programme development for vaccination of refugees and migrants in the WHO European Region. It highlights key principles, summarizes priority actions and challenges, maps available resources and tools, and provides practical policy considerations to improve vaccination coverage and immunization service delivery for these groups. In particular, it highlights the provision of immunization services to newly arrived refugees and migrants, the incorporation of routine delivery of immunization for refugees and migrants into mainstream health services, and tailoring of programmes for more targeted delivery. The intended audience includes those with a central role in policy-making at local, national and regional levels, and across all sectors of governance, not just those within the health, migration or immunization sectors. Clinicians, fieldworkers and other practitioners are invited to draw upon this publication; however, it is not intended to inform daily programme work.