This month completed one year since the first positive COVID-19 case in Boise. In the time since, the IRC in Boise has worked hand in hand with people from refugee communities to create and provide resources, such as language-accessible videos and flyers on COVID-19 in over 14 languages, masks, hand sanitizer, and more. 

Listening and centering communites has been at the core of our work since day one, and we believe they should be at the core of any conversation surrounding COVID-19 -- especially the vaccine.

While the development of the vaccines are a testament of the hard work of scientists and doctors across the world, misinformation, rumors, and politicization continue to add confusion to the current climate. Right now, many people across Idaho communities have gotten a COVID-19 vaccine, many more are waiting for their turn, and some may range from having questions to being hesitant to get a vaccine at all. 

Respecting vaccine choice

Safety and health is the goal for everyone as we work through this newest stage of the pandemic. This includes giving everyone the space to make the decision to get the vaccine on their own terms while continuing to share credible, medically-based information from health experts. No one should ever feel pressured into getting the vaccine.

Ensuring vaccine access

The IRC in Boise is also working with partners to ensure that those who are eligible and ready to get the vaccine are able to do so. We are working with local clinics, hospitals, city and county officials to ensure that immigrants and refugees, especially those in BIPOC communities who oftentimes face inequalities in medicine, are able to access vaccine appointments. 

If you would like to be contacted when you are able to make a vaccine appointment or want to be added to a no-waste waitlist, sign up with Crush the Curve Idaho here.  

If you would like to learn more about COVID-19, the vaccines and how to schedule an appointment, or would like to help with our COVID-19 work, please contact Georgette at [email protected].