Millions of Ukrainians have been displaced by the war in their home country, and up to 100,000 will resettle in the United States. They join a large community of Ukrainian refugees and expats already in the U.S.
Many Ukrainians count on resources provided by sponsors, refugee resettlement agencies and local governments. NRC-RIM can only provide resources related to COVID-19, and we acknowledge that the pandemic response may not be a priority as Ukrainian families focus on securing the immediate physical safety and emotional well-being of their loved ones.
Ukrainian new arrivals who are ready to talk about COVID-19 vaccines and other pandemic response measures can use the resources we have created in English, Ukrainian, and Russian, available here for easy download.
About the Russian language in Ukrainian communities
Many Ukrainians speak Russian as their native language and many prefer it over Ukrainian. However, the Russian language can also be triggering for some Ukrainians. Take the time to learn from your local Ukrainian community before distributing materials in Russian.
Webinar: Psychological First Aid (PFA) to Support Clients Affected by the Crisis in Ukraine
Given the recent tragic events in Ukraine, Switchboard hosted a refresher course on Psychological First Aid to aid staff in supporting distressed clients. This webinar was facilitated by Andrew Kritovich, LMHC from the Ukrainian Community Center and Beth Farmer, LCSW from International Rescue Committee. Attendees increased their awareness of cultural and contextual factors related to Ukraine, as well as learn the fundamentals of Psychological First Aid. Slides | Recording | Resources
E-Course: Fostering COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence in Russian and Ukrainian Speaking Communities
This free continuing education course is designed to help providers including physicians, nurses, medical assistants, and pharmacists who work with Russian- and Ukrainian-speaking patients better understand vaccine hesitancy within these communities, reasons why community members may be hesitant to receive COVID-19 vaccines and develop strategies to initiate conversations about the COVID-19 vaccine with Russian- and Ukrainian-speaking patients. View now.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network Resources
- PFA Tips for Adults: English | Ukrainian | Russian
- PFA Parent Tips for Helping Adolescents:
English | Ukrainian | Russian - PFA Parent Tips for Helping Infants and Toddlers:
English | Ukrainian | Russian - PFA Parent Tips for Helping Preschoolers:
English | Ukrainian | Russian - PFA Parent Tips for Helping School-Age Children:
English | Russian - Age-related Reactions to Traumatic Events:
English | Ukrainian | Russian - Helping Young Children Heal After a Crisis:
English | Ukrainian | Russian - Helping Youth After Community Trauma - Tips for Educators:
English - Understanding Refugee Trauma - For School Personnel: English
Custom Facebook Frame
Visit the Facebook Frame Library. Search "NRCRIM" for the custom frame you want to use. Choose Dari, Pashto or Farsi. Click "Use as Profile Picture" to save.
PSA 1:
COVID-19 vaccines are FREE for everyone. But make sure and ask if there are any other costs with getting vaccinated. No one can be denied a free vaccine if they are unable to pay an administration fee. Once vaccines are widely available, anyone can get vaccinated regardless of immigration status. Protect yourself. Protect your community. Get vaccinated.
PSA 2:
The COVID-19 vaccine protects you from getting COVID-19. If you still get COVID after you get vaccinated, the vaccine protects you from getting seriously ill. Even if you had COVID-19, you should still get vaccinated. Protect yourself. Protect your community. Get vaccinated.
PSA 3:
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. The vaccine CANNOT give you COVID-19. No other vaccine has been tested as much for its safety in U.S. history. The vaccine has been proven safe for thousands of people, including those of different races, ethnicities and ages. No other vaccine has been tested as much for its safety in U.S. history and millions of people have been safely vaccinated. Protect yourself. Protect your community. Get vaccinated.
PSA 4:
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Side effects are normal and mean the vaccine is teaching your body how to fight the virus. You CANNOT get COVID-19 from the vaccine. Protect yourself. Protect your community. Get vaccinated.
PSA 5:
The COVID-19 vaccine is halal. The COVID-19 vaccine does not contain any animal products. The COVID-19 vaccine does not change your DNA. The vaccine has been proven safe for thousands of people, including those of different races, ethnicities and ages. Protect yourself. Protect your community. Get vaccinated.
PSA 6:
Stay safe after being vaccinated from COVID-19. Right now, experts don’t know how long the vaccine will protect you. Even after getting the vaccine, continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands often, and disinfect high-touch areas frequently.
Breakthrough Infections PSA
COVID-19 vaccines work very well. Most people who get COVID-19 are unvaccinated. It is uncommon for people to get COVID-19 after they are vaccinated, but it can happen. Scientists call this a “breakthrough infection.” Even when breakthrough infections happen, the vaccine still protects almost all vaccinated people from becoming seriously ill or dying. You can prevent breakthrough infections in your community by wearing a mask, even if you are vaccinated. Protect yourself. Protect your community.
Fertility + Parenthood PSA
COVID-19 vaccines work very well. Most people who get COVID-19 are unvaccinated. It is uncommon for people to get COVID-19 after they are vaccinated, but it can happen. Scientists call this a “breakthrough infection.” Even when breakthrough infections happen, the vaccine still protects almost all vaccinated people from becoming seriously ill or dying. You can prevent breakthrough infections in your community by wearing a mask, even if you are vaccinated. Protect yourself. Protect your community.
Wearing a Mask PSA
Regardless of whether masks are required in your area, you and your family will be safest if you wear a mask. Because COVID-19 spreads very easily, wearing a mask protects you, your friends and family, and your community. Even vaccinated people are safest with a mask. It is uncommon for people to get sick with COVID-19 after they are vaccinated, but it can happen. Getting a vaccine and wearing a mask are the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading COVID-19 to others. Protect yourself. Protect your community.
Booster Shots PSA
Boosters are shots you get a few months after you are fully vaccinated so that you can stay protected against COVID-19. Boosters are common for many vaccines. Scientists have found that with some vaccines a person’s protection decreases over time, and a booster helps them stay protected. The COVID-19 booster works the same way. Boosters are safe, effective, and free for everyone. Protect yourself, Protect your community. Get vaccinated.
COVID-19 Testing PSA
People are getting tested regardless of whether they are vaccinated and regardless of whether they feel sick because it makes our communities safer. Anyone can get tested, including adults, children and babies. Because the symptoms of COVID-19, influenza, and the common cold are very similar, the only way to know if you have COVID is to get tested. Staying home from work, school, or social events if you test positive or anytime you feel sick is one of the most important things you can do to protect your community.
COVID-19 & the Flu PSA
People who get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time may be at even higher risk for severe complications and death. Get the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine for the most protection. Both vaccines protect you, your family, and your community. Both vaccines make it less likely for you to get sick and spread illness to others. They also prevent you from getting dangerously ill if you do get sick. It is safe and effective to get both the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine at the same time. Protect yourself. Protect your community. Get vaccinated.