COVID-19 vaccination of refugees from Ukraine - possible risks and concerns

Abstract Background In February 2022, following the Russian attack on Ukraine, over 430,000 Ukrainian refugees arrived in the Czech Republic. Given the lower vaccination rates in Ukraine, this posed potential health risks, including the spread of COVID-19 variants. This study examines the determinants of COVID-19 vaccination willingness among these refugees. Methods We analyzed data from an online panel of 1,347 Ukrainian refugees using binary logistic regression. Three models tested the effects of (1) sociodemographic, (2) socioeconomic, and (3) health-related factors on vaccination willingness. Results Higher vaccination rates were associated with older age (OR = 1.79, 95%CI: 1.33-2.43), university education (OR = 1.44, 95%CI: 1.04-1.99), and being from Central Ukraine (OR = 1.53, 95%CI: 0.98-2.38). A university-educated refugee over 40 years old in a skilled profession had an 89% probability of being vaccinated, while a younger, less-skilled refugee from Western Ukraine had a 60% probability. Conclusions Sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors influenced COVID-19 vaccination rates among Ukrainian refugees in Czechia. Compared to earlier migration waves, this cohort was more skilled and educated. Despite healthcare access barriers, they did not pose a public health risk, likely due to responsible healthcare behavior and selective migration patterns. Key messages • Ukrainian refugees in Czechia, despite healthcare access barriers, showed responsible vaccination behavior, minimizing public health risks. • Compared to earlier migration waves, this refugee cohort was more skilled and educated, influencing their healthcare decisions.