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 MDH Refugee Health Program uses the CDC: Refugee Health Domestic Guidance to develop Minnesota-specific recommendations that integrate state and national guidelines, epidemiology, best practices, and resources. New guidelines will be posted as finalized. Please refer back often.
You may also wish to bookmark CareRef, an interactive screening recommendation tool. Recommendations are kept updated in CareRef.
You may also wish to bookmark CareRef, an interactive screening recommendation tool. Recommendations are kept updated in CareRef.
- 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.
Last Updated: 06/20/2024