Covid & Immigrant Communities (February 2021)

On behalf of the Pediatric Residency Immigrant Health Task Force (IHTF), please see our second Immigration Health Tip of the Month in 2021, focusing on COVID updates and immigrant communities. 

“One of our members said, “If I do not die from COVID, I will die from not having a job."  

- Gabriela Galicia, Executive Director of Street Level Health Project in Oakland 

Who can get vaccinated now? 

What is the next phase of the COVID vaccine rollout for the general public? 

  • As of March 15th, “healthcare providers may use their clinical judgement to vaccinate individuals aged 16-64 who are deemed at very high risk:” 
  • Includes: Cancer, CKD, Down Syndrome, Chronic Pulmonary Disease (Oxygen Dependent), Solid Organ Transplant, Pregnancy, Sickle Cell Disease, Heart Conditions, Severe Obesity, T2DM (Hgb A1C > 7.5) 
  • OR as a result of a developmental or other severe high-risk disability if: 
  • Likely to develop severe/life threatening illness from COVID 
  • COVID would limit the individual’s ability to receive ongoing care or services 
  • Adequate and timely COVID care would be particularly challenging as a result of the individual’s disability 
  • Reference: https://covid19.ca.gov/vaccines/ 

How does immigration impact COVID vaccination? 

Points for consideration when counseling on the COVID vaccine:  

1) Ensure vaccine site accessibility, counsel on ‘no cost’: “The federal government has provided resources to make the COVID-19 vaccine available at no cost for people who are uninsured regardless of immigration status.” 

2) Opportunity to provide education on vaccine side effects: “Noncitizen immigrants may have heightened concerns about potential side effects.” 

3) Opportunity to provide information on vaccine eligibility: “Noncitizen immigrants may not know if they are eligible to receive the vaccine and/or worry that obtaining it may have negative immigration-related consequences” 

4) Concerns about data collection: “Data collection and sharing related to COVID-19 vaccinations may further raise fears among immigrants.” 

 COVID and Technological challenges 

  • Telehealth via phone and video can be difficult for many reasons (e.g. interpreter connection, timing, technology) 
  • Utilization of interpreter when needed: 
  • Consider calling the interpreter ahead of the visit or booking an interpreter for the clinic appointment prior to the appointment time 
  • Update: At UCSF Health sites, on demand video interpreting is available (i.e. connect an interpreter directly to a Zoom video call in the moment) 
  • Full instructions here: https://ucsf.app.box.com/v/OnDemandVideoInterpreting 
  • Bottom line: Participants > Invite > Room System > Call Out > Drop-down Menu to select VMI-language 
  • Interpreter will appear as SIP xxxxxxxx 
  • Interpreter will request Access Code (The UCSF access code is “1234”), Patient MRN, calling from BCH Oakland? Y/N, and Provider First/last name 
  • https://ucsf.app.box.com/v/OnDemandVideo  (2-3-minute video with instructions) 

Considerations:  

  • Patient’s access to video-capable device if pursuing a video visit (e.g. iPad, computer, smart phone), consider if telephone visit would be appropriate based upon the particular situation. 
  • Many family members may be working jobs that require in-person presence during clinic hours. Therefore, it may be difficult for patients to have a fully charged device after a day of work or to have a quiet or private space for the call if they are still at work or commuting. 

In solidarity, 

Ali Lai & Greta Peng OBO the Immigrant Health Task Force (IHTF)