Researchers explored how refugees in the Calgary area made COVID-19 vaccination decisions, through interviews with 45 refugees, 3 sponsors of refugees and 13 key informants. Refugee vaccination decisions were influenced by individual, interpersonal, community, and societal factors including side effect concerns, trusted information access, family influence, and vaccine mandates, with most refugees willing to engage in vaccination dialogue rather than being opposed. Successful vaccination approaches should focus on building trust by sharing evidence-based information through trusted personnel, addressing basic needs first, and creating positive healthcare experiences through numerous touch points with refugees.
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