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“Immigrants, we get the job done!”

OIRA Director Cuc Vu speaking at a podium from the recent COVID-19 vaccine press conference

Did you see OIRA Director Cuc Vu in the news last week?

Cuc joined Mayor Durkan to announce that more than 76 percent of Seattle’s residents 12 and older have begun the vaccination process, and more than 60 percent are fully vaccinated, making Seattle the second-most vaccinated major city in the country. Here is an excerpt from Cuc’s remarks:

“Our staff was proud to collaborate both across City departments and with community-based organizations to help ensure that equity, cultural competency, and language accessibility were all integrated throughout Seattle’s evolving vaccine campaign. And I am proud to say that our work spoke for itself, as 48 percent of those vaccinated by the City identified as BIPOC, 15 percent more than the BIPOC share of Seattle’s population. Truly, ‘immigrants, we get the job done!’”

You can check out these news stories from the event: King5 News and South Seattle Emerald.

Though we’re not completely done yet!

A smiling daughter embraces her mother, next to text in Spanish encouraging you to get vaccinated for COVID-19

While, Seattle may have reached an impressive vaccination goal, we also know that a significant portion of unvaccinated community members are BIPOC/immigrants/refugees. That’s why you may have seen our in-language ad campaign in various media outlets. We are helping promote COVID-19 Vaccination Community Helplines where folks can answer your questions and make you an appointment in the language you feel comfortable speaking. You can also help promote the helplines by utilizing our social media toolkit here.

Where are the vaccines in your neighborhood? In your neighborhood? In your neighborhood!

A cartoon image of a Franz delivery truck with donuts for wheels accompanies text encouraging you to geth vaccinated

While the City of Seattle will be closing most of our vaccine sites by the end of June, the Seattle Fire Department is working to get the vaccines to you! We are hosting neighborhood vaccine pop-ups in neighborhoods across the city, with two happening today in the Central District and Queen Anne. No appointments are needed, anyone who shows up to get vaccinated will be welcomed, and you could get free food or beverages just for getting vaccinated. Learn more about a pop-up coming to your neighborhood!

Seattle Public Schools is vaccinating eligible students!

Someone wearing a headscarf vaccinating a Seattle Public School student

All students who need either their first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are welcome at the Seattle Public Schools vaccine clinics taking place throughout June. Parental consent for minors is required. Currently, only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for children over the age of 12. Learn more at the Seattle Public Schools information page.

Get FREE help applying for U.S. citizenship!

New Americans wearing masks, taking the oath at an outdoor naturalization ceremony.

These organizations are offering assistance via online citizenship clinics:

International Rescue Committee and Horn of Africa Services are accepting participants on a rolling basis throughout June. To learn more and/or schedule an appointment: (971) 260-6481 or (206) 552-9630.

Entre Hermanos and Chinese Information and Service Center (CISC) are accepting appointments for July. Text or call by Thursday, July 1st: 206-538-0167 (for help in English and Spanish) or (206) 393-2110 (For help in Chinese).

Learn more about future citizenship clinics here.

OTHER OIRA UPDATES

Improve Your English & Job Skills!

Our Ready to Work Program is currently enrolling adult students for the summer quarter starting July 7 and ending August 26. Learn more here.

Immigrant & Refugee Commission has Openings!
Apply Now.

Help advise the Mayor, City Council, and City departments and offices on ways to enhance and improve access to services and resources for immigrants and refugees. Learn more here.