Sumario: | This review focuses on policy and practice regarding the inclusion of refugees and migrants in immunization systems globally, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. It synthesizes the best available evidence and practices to inform policy and program development and presents policy considerations to help to address inequities in immunization for refugees and migrants. Searches of academic and grey literature published between 1 January 2010 and 31 October 2021, with no restrictions on language or geographical scope, identified 210 relevant articles for inclusion in a scoping review. The umbrella term "refugees and migrants" was used to cover the diverse groups of people on the move. The review synthesized evidence on the integration of refugees and migrants into national immunization policies and implementation of these policies; the barriers faced in accessing vaccines; facilitators and good practices for strengthening the delivery of immunization services and improving global vaccine coverage; and the specific impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on immunization services for mobile populations globally. This review identified specific and unique barriers for refugees and migrants, including those related to awareness of and physical access to immunization services, that strongly influence vaccine uptake and motivation to vaccinate, especially for irregular migrants. Specific case studies are also included on the implementation of immunization and other approaches to increase vaccine uptake and confidence in refugee and migrant populations by providing culturally competent care that is sensitive to the needs of these populations.
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