Damon Mcknight
Afghan refugees are being vaccinated against COVID-19 and other diseases, such as measles, mumps, and rubella. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires that all Afghan refugees get vaccinated for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), polio, COVID-19, and any other age-appropriate vaccinations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Biden administration has set up mass vaccination sites near airports where most Afghan refugees arrive, such as Dulles International Airport in Virginia and Philadelphia International Airport. Refugees are also tested for COVID-19 upon arrival and can receive other free medical services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination Requirements | The Department of Homeland Security requires Afghan refugees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and other diseases to enter the United States. |
| Vaccination Options | Refugees are offered COVID-19 vaccines at the airport or at Department of Defense facilities. |
| Vaccination Locations | Vaccination sites have been set up near Dulles International Airport in Virginia and at Fort McCoy, a military base in Wisconsin. A second mass site is also expected to open at Philadelphia International Airport. |
| Vaccines Offered | Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine |
| Testing | All refugees are tested for COVID-19 upon arrival. |
| Quarantine | The CDC requires Afghan refugees to quarantine for 21 days after receiving the measles vaccination. |
| Other Diseases | There have been cases of measles, mumps, tuberculosis, chickenpox, malaria, leishmaniasis, hepatitis A and COVID-19 among Afghan refugees. |
What You'll Learn
COVID-19 vaccination sites for Afghan refugees
The COVID-19 vaccination process for Afghan refugees involves multiple steps and locations. Firstly, upon arrival in the US, Afghan refugees undergo medical screenings, which include testing for COVID-19. They are also offered the COVID-19 vaccine, and this is available at several locations to ensure accessibility.
One key vaccination site is located near Dulles International Airport in Virginia, which has served as the main entry point for Afghan refugees. This site, organised by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, offers the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and has State Department interpreters available to answer questions. The site is positioned next to the Dulles Expo Center, where refugees receive temporary housing and further medical screening before being transferred to military bases for additional processing.
In addition to the site near Dulles Airport, the Biden administration has established a second mass vaccination site at Philadelphia International Airport. This site aims to cater to the growing number of Afghan refugees arriving in Philadelphia. Furthermore, Fort McCoy, a military base in Wisconsin, is offering free COVID-19 vaccines to Afghan refugees housed there. This is one of eight US military bases providing temporary accommodation to Afghans fleeing their country.
While COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended for Afghan refugees, it is not mandatory. However, the Department of Homeland Security does require certain vaccinations, including COVID-19, for Afghan refugees to enter the US. Refugees who have not received these vaccinations prior to arrival will be provided with the necessary vaccines upon reaching the US.
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Vaccination requirements for entering the US
The US eliminated its vaccination requirement for entry by air, land, and sea on May 12, 2023. This means that, as of May 12, 2023, non-citizen non-immigrant air passengers no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States.
The vaccination requirements for land or ferry entry to the United States were also revoked on May 12, 2023. Non-U.S. individuals entering the country through land ports and ferries are no longer required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Until May 12, 2023, non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders were required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request. This requirement applied to non-U.S. individuals who were travelling for essential or non-essential reasons. It did not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals.
From November 8, 2021, through to May 11, 2023, all noncitizens who were nonimmigrants entering the United States through an air Point of Entry (POE) were required to show proof that they were fully vaccinated with an acceptable COVID vaccine. U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and those entering on an immigrant visa were exempt from this requirement.
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Vaccination and testing at Fort McCoy
Fort McCoy is one of eight U.S. military bases that is temporarily housing Afghan refugees. The base can host up to 13,000 people; as of 2021, 8,780 refugees had arrived.
Vaccinations
Fort McCoy has been offering COVID-19 vaccines to Afghan refugees. In September 2021, the Operation Allies Welcome team vaccinated 97% of Afghan refugees against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox. The vaccination campaign was led by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to support vulnerable Afghans.
Testing
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has stated that all Afghans and U.S. residents coming from Afghanistan are tested for COVID-19 when they first arrive in the U.S.
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Quarantine requirements after vaccination
United States
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Afghan refugees who have received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are required to quarantine for 21 days upon arrival in the country. This is due to the highly contagious nature of measles and the risk of infection among evacuees living in close quarters. Additionally, the CDC recommends that all individuals aged 5 years and older receive a COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness. For those who have been exposed to COVID-19, the CDC advises testing 3-5 days after exposure and wearing a face mask indoors for 14 days or until a negative test result is obtained. Fully vaccinated individuals without symptoms are generally exempt from quarantine requirements.
Canada
Canada does not require proof of COVID-19 vaccination, pre-board testing, or quarantine upon entry. However, it is strongly recommended to wear a well-constructed and well-fitted mask or respirator while travelling. Individuals experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 during their travel to Canada are advised to inform flight attendants or border services officers and avoid public transportation.
United Kingdom
The UK government has not specified any quarantine requirements for vaccinated individuals. However, it is recommended to follow general guidelines such as wearing a face mask in enclosed spaces and avoiding close contact with people at high risk of severe illness if you have been exposed to COVID-19.
It is important to note that quarantine requirements may change over time, and it is always advisable to check the latest guidelines provided by official government and health organizations, such as the CDC, before travelling or interacting with others after vaccination.
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Vaccination for other diseases
Afghan refugees are being vaccinated against several diseases to enter the United States. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), they are required to be vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), polio, COVID-19, and any other age-appropriate vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The DHS stated that if the refugees have not received these vaccines before arrival, they will be administered upon reaching the U.S. The only exceptions to this requirement are for medical reasons, which are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
The importance of vaccinating Afghan refugees is underscored by the recent measles outbreak among this population. The CDC reported 16 confirmed cases of measles and four cases of mumps among Afghan evacuees and Americans fleeing Afghanistan. As a result, the CDC mandated a 21-day quarantine period for evacuees on U.S. military bases after receiving the MMR vaccine. Additionally, the CDC issued an advisory to doctors, warning them to be vigilant for cases of measles and other infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, chickenpox, malaria, leishmaniasis, hepatitis A, and COVID-19, which have been detected among evacuees.
To facilitate the vaccination process, the Biden administration, in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, established mass vaccination sites near airports receiving Afghan refugees. For example, a vaccination site was set up near Dulles International Airport in Virginia, where the majority of Afghan refugees were arriving. This site offered the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine and had interpreters available to address any questions or concerns. Similar vaccination efforts were also implemented at Philadelphia International Airport, with plans to expand to other locations as needed.
The vaccination process for Afghan refugees extends beyond COVID-19. Refugees are offered a range of vaccines to protect their health and well-being, and the CDC plays a crucial role in recommending and mandating specific vaccinations, such as measles, to prevent the spread of infectious diseases within this vulnerable population.
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Frequently asked questions
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for Afghan refugees but not required. The Biden administration has set up vaccination sites near airports where refugees are arriving, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is administering the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The CDC requires that Afghan refugees get vaccinated against measles and quarantine for 21 days, as only 60% of people living in Afghanistan have been vaccinated against measles. The MMR vaccine also protects against mumps and rubella.
The CDC has warned doctors to be on alert for cases of tuberculosis, chickenpox, malaria, leishmaniasis, hepatitis A, and COVID-19 among Afghan refugees. They are also at increased risk of gastrointestinal infections, including shigellosis, giardiasis, and cryptosporidiosis.
