Minnesota Domestic Refugee Health Screening Guidance

These guidance materials are designed for health care providers who perform the Minnesota Initial Refugee Health Assessments. Providers should reference the guidance documents and resources for the recommended components of the examination. MDH is currently reviewing and revising these sections to align with CDC's updated guidance; newly updated guidance materials are indicated with the month they were updated.

• The Minnesota Initial Refugee Health Assessment
  The Minnesota initial refugee health assessment is designed to reduce health-related barriers to successful resettlement, while protecting the health of Minnesota residents and the U.S. population.
  Updated June 2022
   
• Immunizations
  Every child and adult refugee should be appropriately immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases.
   
• Tuberculosis (TB) Screening
  Screen all refugees for signs or symptoms of TB disease (pulmonary or extra-pulmonary) and history of contacts with active TB.
  Updated July 2022
   
• Viral Hepatitis
  All refugees should be tested for hepatitis B infection; screen adult arrivals for hepatitis C.
  Updated July 2022
   
• Sexual and Reproductive Health Screening
  Screen refugees as indicated for STDs (including syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea) and female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C)-associated medical complications. Address any reproductive health needs with all refugees, regardless of sex.
  Updated July 2022
   
• HIV Screening
  Screen refugees as indicated for HIV.
  Updated July 2022
   
• Intestinal Parasites
  All refugees should be evaluated for intestinal parasites.
  Updated September 2022
   
• Malaria Screening
  Screen, test, and treat refugees with symptoms of malaria or those from sub-Saharan Africa with no documentation of pre-departure treatment as indicated.
  Updated July 2022
   
• Blood Lead Screening
  All refugees under 17 years old and any refugee who is pregnant or breastfeeding, regardless of age, should be evaluated for elevated blood lead level (EBLL).
  Updated July 2022
   
• Mental Health Screening
  All refugee arrivals should be assessed for mental health needs.
  Updated July 2022
   
• Working with Medical Interpreters
  The need for clarity and understanding is paramount in a clinic or hospital, where life-and-death decisions hinge on immediate, accurate communications.
   
• Glossary
  Definitions of refugee and refugee health terms.

Minnesota Refugee Health Assessment: Updated Clinical Guidance
February 2023 training on the revised clinical guidance for refugee health assessments. Contact refugeehealth@state.mn.us for more information or a copy of the slides.