Replication Data for: Asylum seekers’ perspectives on vaccination and screening policies after their arrival in Greece and The Netherlands

Introduction. Europe has been dealing with an increasing number of refugees during
the past 5 years. The timing of screening and vaccination of refugees is debated by
many professionals, however refugees’ perspectives on health issues are infrequently
taken into account. In this study, we aimed to investigate asylum seekers’ perspectives
on infectious diseases screening and vaccination policies.
Materials and Methods. Interviews were conducted in Greece and the Netherlands.
Asylum seekers and recently arrived refugees were approached and informed with the
help of interpreters; consent forms were acquired. The survey focused on demographic
data, vaccination status, screening policies and prevention of infectious diseases.
Results. A total of 61 (43 male, 70.5%) refugees (30 Afghanis, 16 Syrian, 7 Erithrean)
were interviewed. Mean age was 35.2 years (SD 13.5) and 50% had received primary
or secondary education, while 24.6% received none. Median time after arrival in
Greece and the Netherlands was 24 months (IQR 8.5-28). 44 out of 61 (72.1)
participants were willing to be vaccinated after arrival in Europe, 26 preferred
vaccination and screening to be performed at the point of entry. The need for
screening and vaccination was perceived higher amongst participants in Greece
(100% vs 43.3%) due to living conditions leading to increased risk of outbreaks.
Conclusion. Participants were willing to communicate their perspectives and concerns.
Screening and vaccination programs could be more effective when implemented
shortly after arrival and by involving asylum seekers and refugees when developing
screening and vaccination interventions.