COVID-19 Vaccination Survey, July 2021 [China]

The COVID-19 Vaccination Survey in China was conducted in July 2021 to understand refugees' accessibility and willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccination in China. UNHCR stresses that no one can be left behind in the global effort against COVID-19 and is monitoring the inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers in vaccination plans around the world. At the time, Chinese government policy did not provide free vaccines for foreigners without social security. The survey results however show that this policy was implemented with some flexibility, because among the few that were vaccinated already, more than half received a free COVID-19 vaccine. Some refugees reported difficulties or lack of information about vaccine registration or identity documents to book an appointment. Results further show that even though most are willing to get vaccinated, anti-vaccine sentiments are driven by fear of side effects.

The survey covers 24 provinces with most respondents residing in the province of Guangdong. The survey was distributed to all 1017 refugees and asylum seekers.