Journal Article

Vaccination Service and Migrants: an Inclusive and Replicable Model

Ursino, S, Fusillo, C, Rossi, S, Caniglia, D, Sinopoli, M T, Antonetti, F R, Scognamiglio, D

2025

Overview

Abstract   Migrants come from countries with varying vaccination coverage, but ensuring equitable access to vaccines-crucial for preventing infectious diseases and reducing morbidity and mortality-remains a major challenge. The Vaccination Service (VS) of ASL Roma 4 has implemented targeted and inclusive vaccination initiatives: some organized periodically in collaboration with municipalities, the Italian Red Cross, the Community of Sant'Egidio, Caritas, and other local organizations; others directly within two Extraordinary Reception Centers (CAS). The CAS in Allumiere hosts women and children (75 guests, including 25 minors), while the one in Fiano Romano accommodates adult men (about 150 guests). The high turnover of guests, with frequent arrivals and departures, makes vaccination planning and delivery complex. The main objective is to ensure timely, fair, and sustainable vaccine access for all migrants in the CAS through a replicable operational model. The VS developed an efficient system: the ASL's foreign clinic promptly reports new arrivals for constant monitoring. Allumiere CAS guests are invited to dedicated vaccination sessions at the city clinic, where they are welcomed by VS staff and cultural mediators. In Fiano, VS staff reach the CAS using a mobile vaccination van, overcoming logistical barriers. All forms-medical history, consent, privacy, and vaccination-are translated into multiple languages. From April 2024 to February 2025, 100 of 150 migrants in Fiano were vaccinated, with 109 doses administered. In Allumiere, all 25 minors received mandatory and recommended vaccines, essential for school enrollment. Vaccinating the center staff further strengthened collective protection. The experience confirms the effectiveness of flexible strategies. Thanks to the trust that has been built, the migrants of the Allumiere CAS now spontaneously access the vaccination clinic for their children, accompanied by the center's staff member, during regular sessions. Key messages • Building trust through inclusive strategies enables migrants to independently access vaccination services. • Flexible and collaborative models improve vaccine equity in multicultural settings.

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Subject: Access / American Sign Language / Arrivals / Children / Collaboration / Community organizations / Enrollments / Immunization / Infectious diseases / Italian language / Languages / Medical history / Migrants / Morbidity / Mothers / Multiculturalism & pluralism / Organizational effectiveness / Poster Walks / Privacy / Romani people / Trustworthiness / Vaccines / Women