Immigrant Access to COVID-19 Vaccines: Key Issues to Consider

As COVID-19 vaccine distribution continues and expands to larger segments of the population, it is important to consider how to prevent disparities and ensure equitable access to the vaccine. Ensuring all individuals have access to the vaccine and achieving a high vaccination rate across communities will be necessary to mitigate the disproportionate impacts of the pandemic for underserved populations, prevent widening disparities going forward, and achieve broad population immunity. The nearly 22 million noncitizen immigrants living in the U.S. today face increased risks and challenges associated with the pandemic. Many noncitizen immigrants work in essential jobs that are likely to be included in initial priority groups for COVID-19 vaccination, but they face a variety of potential barriers to obtaining the vaccine. As such, targeted efforts to reach noncitizen immigrants as part of vaccination efforts will be central for preventing disparities in vaccination. This brief provides an overview of key issues to consider for reaching noncitizen immigrants as part of COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

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