Responding to COVID-19

Since January 2020, and in line with WHO recommendations, IOM’s global workforce has been mobilized across the world to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing down on decades of experience, most recently with the Ebola epidemic, and working with dozens of governments to plan their responses and save lives as the global health crisis evolves into the most significant mobility crisis ever.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a serious infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Getting vaccinated could save your life. COVID-19 vaccines provide strong protection against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. There is also some evidence that being vaccinated will make it less likely that you will pass the virus on to others. 

Who should be vaccinated?

The COVID-19 vaccines are safe people above the age of 5, including those with pre-existing conditions of any kind such as: auto-immune disorders, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, pulmonary, liver and kidney disease, as well as chronic infections that are stable and controlled.

Do I have the right to be vaccinated?

Vaccination is free-of-charge and provided to anyone with a permanent or temporary residence permit, with or without health insurance, whether they are employed or not. Asylum seekers have access to free-of-charge vaccination against COVID-19 too.

Where can I be vaccinated against COVID-19?

Vaccination centres have been established in community healthcare centres and in other locations. Please consult the social worker, the nurse or integration advisor of the Asylum Centre for more information.

What preventive measures should I follow after receiving my COVID-19 vaccination?

• Wear a face mask in closed public spaces and on public transport, 
• Maintain a safe distance by staying at least two metres away from others
• Regularly and properly wash hands with soap and water. If water and soap are not available, use a hand sanitiser to disinfect your hands
• Practice good respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette.
• Preventive measures should be maintained regardless of your vaccination status.
• Make sure you follow up-to-date guidance of the country you are currently in.

Explore resources below, available in a variety of languages including English, Russian and Ukrainian (Albanian, Arabic, Bambara, English, Farsi, French, Pulaar, Russian, Spanish, Urdu, Ukrainian and Wolof), to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccination and how you can protect yourselves and your loved ones.