KUMJ | VOL. 23 | NO. 2 | ISSUE 90 | APRIL - JUNE, 2025
Deployment of COVID-19 Vaccines for Refugees and Migrants in Nepal
Karmacharya BM, Joshi A, Marasini S, Rai P, Sharma S, Kunwar S, Kampalath VN, Czapka EA, Benavente P, Zan ML, Tran NT, Hosseinalipour SM, Blanchet K
Abstract: Background
The needs and determinants of COVID-19 vaccination uptake and coverage among
refugees, migrants in regular situations (MIRS), and migrants in irregular situations
(MIIS) remain undocumented. This hinders advocacy toward inclusive vaccination
policies and ultimately undermines effective vaccine rollout.
Objective
To estimate vaccination coverage and produce evidence on the barriers and
facilitators to COVID-19 vaccination for refugees and migrants in Nepal.
Method
Mixed-method study was conducted in Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces of
Nepal. In total, 210 household surveys were conducted among the refugees and
migrants, and eight key informant interviews were conducted locally among Nepal’s
major stakeholders of COVID-19 vaccination.
Result
A total of 210 participants were included in this study: 101 refugees, 66 MIRS, and
43 MIIS. Among them, 52.9% (111/210) were fully vaccinated with two or more
COVID-19 doses, 43.3% (91/210) were partially vaccinated with one dose, and 3.8%
(8/210) were unvaccinated. Inclusive vaccination policies were an enabling factor for
wide access to COVID-19 vaccines among refugees and migrants. The availability of
vaccines free of cost, timely information on vaccinations, and multiple vaccination
centers facilitated COVID-19 vaccine uptake. However, barriers like requirement
of identity documents, safety misconceptions, fear of side effects, and language
challenges hindered access.
Conclusion
This study highlights the overlooked issue of vaccination uptake among refugees and
migrants, emphasizing the lack of data on their needs and determinants. This gap
hinders inclusive vaccination policies and rollout effectiveness. Tailored strategies
are crucial to address their specific needs, alongside ongoing research and advocacy
for inclusive policies and targeted interventions to overcome barriers.
Keyword : COVID-19, Immunization, Migrants, Nepal, Refugees, Vaccines