How a mobile consultation point drives immunization among refugees in Poland
Lifesaving information for families who’ve fled the war in Ukraine
- Available in:
- English
- Polish
It can be hard to book vaccinations when your immunization records have been left behind. It’s also hard to know what vaccinations your child should receive if the information is presented in a way you don’t understand. Refugees can struggle to find information about services or feel intimidated and confused by the procedures of a new country. Many children fleeing the war in Ukraine have not had the opportunity to go through the full vaccination cycle back in their hometowns. After arriving in Poland, their parents had to settle into a new reality, and they often lacked the time and resources to familiarize themselves with the Polish health system and vaccination schedules which vary from country to country.
As evidenced by research conducted for UNICEF by the Institute of Mother and Child, the main barrier for refugees in Poland to vaccinate is the lack of information about where to enroll for a vaccine, what are the differences between various vaccines and what their costs are. Apart from this refugee families may sometimes be reluctant to get vaccinated due to the general decrease in vaccine confidence and difficulties in arranging appointments.
A city in action
The authorities of the seaside city of Gdansk, in the north of Poland, found themselves with a large increase of refugees when the war in Ukraine escalated in February 2022. One of the immediate priorities in terms of access to healthcare was child immunization. The local authorities knew that disseminating accurate information and allaying the spread of misinformation was and is essential to ensure that every child is protected with lifesaving vaccines.
The “Ask about vaccinations” (in Polish Zapytaj o szczepienia) project was launched in March 2023. Run by the local municipality together with the Gdansk Foundation, the initiative addresses vaccine confidence head-on by providing a source of verified information about vaccination programmes in Poland. At the heart of the project is a UNICEF-funded mobile consultation point, where people from Ukraine could receive comprehensive information about vaccinations. The consultation point is staffed with doctors, healthcare workers and translators – who explain the science behind vaccines and their proven effectiveness in preventing diseases. They also provide information about the safety and potential side effects of vaccines to address any concerns people may have. The consultations are conducted in Ukrainian and in a relaxed, informal atmosphere so as not to create distance between those seeking information and the consultation point’s staff.
“The atmosphere of comfort encouraged people to ask questions and take advantage of staff’s knowledge about vaccinations.”
Olha Ruda, manager of the “Ask about vaccinations” project
“Our guests were also keen to listen to other Ukrainians who got vaccinated in Poland and were willing to share their experience. The fact that these people were not healthcare professionals shortened the distance and instilled trust,” she adds.
Building vaccine confidence, one conversation at a time
The message about the consultation point spread through word of mouth but its strategic location was also definitely a pillar of success for such a high turnout as well. Located right next to the humanitarian distribution site where over 6,000 people receive aid every week, making it convenient for those already in the area to stop by and enquire about healthcare services. Many refugees also inquired about healthcare services beyond vaccinations, including access to mental health services.
To reach the wider refugee community across the city, the outreach campaign also utilized social media platforms and digital advertising. Gdańsk Foundation created engaging and informative content, including infographics, that people could easily share with their friends and family.
The needs of people entering Poland from Ukraine vary. They seek to understand the vaccine procedures, safety and efficacy, as well as the wider healthcare system and how to access it. Such consultation points can address these needs in a comprehensive way, which is what makes this intervention so successful. According to the estimates from the project coordinator and judging by the number of information leaflets distributed at the site, around 1,000 people were served over the course of 4 days. This shows that the demand for such consultations is high.
“I am confident that this programme will raise awareness of vaccination among Ukrainians and in the long run contribute to improving public health. I want to thank UNICEF for supporting such a great and valuable initiative."
Olha Ruda, manager of the “Ask about vaccinations” project
UNICEF is committed to providing caregivers and communities across Poland with fact-based information on vaccines. Through community-level engagement and building partnerships, we work to build trust and increase immunization rates.
