New York City’s Public Health Program to Provide Immunizations and Primary Care to Immigrant Children and Families

• DOI: 10.1056/cat.24.0125
• Publication Date: 2025-01-15T13:45:12Z
• Authors: Rishi K. Sood; Allison Lemkin; Max W. Hadler; Kelly Sabatino; Michelle Macaraig; Bindy Crouch

Since April 2022, more than 220,000 immigrants seeking asylum or other legal status have arrived in New York City from southern U.S. border states. The Department of Homeless Services quickly established a network sanctuary shelters to respond the unprecedented volume newly immigrants. Approximately 37% recent arrivals been children, many with unknown incomplete immunization jeopardizing their compliance city vaccine requirements for school and day care attendance. number children facing exclusion, varicella outbreaks shelter system, emerged as top priority public health response. Health Mental Hygiene collaborated partner agencies community providers connect parents school-required immunizations primary care. From September 2022 November 2023, 10,122 doses vaccines, Covid-19 influenza vaccines were administered 3,279 51 city-run shelters, 1,295 appointments made vaccinations This article describes challenges lessons learned conducting major campaign amid rapid influx immigrants, including coordination across all relevant government partners. Having an infrastructure place is key.