Sociodemographic characteristics of Korean Americans in NYC who participate in large-scale, community-based influenza vaccination events

Background: Influenza vaccination is important to reduce influenza related mortality. The Korean American community in NYC experiences lower rates of influenza vaccination and the poor condition of health access create the serious disparities among Korean Americans in New York City. Objective: To assess socio-demographic characteristics of influenza vaccination among a community-based sample of Korean Americans in NYC, to be used to inform a strategic plan to reduce the disparity in this population. Methods: A community-based sample of Korean Americans in NYC (N=2,576) were self-administered questionnaires to assess demographic and access to care characteristics regarding influenza vaccination in person at large-scale influenza vaccination events from October 2009 - January 2010. Results: The preliminary results indicate that: 50.7% had received influenza vaccinations in the previous year —a percentage lower than that of the general population at 65% -- 52.7% lacked health insurance, 21% fell below the federal poverty level, 22.5% suffered from pre-existing health conditions, and 48% who attended the vaccination events were above the age 65. Furthermore, 50.7% of respondents received the vaccine because they recognized influenza is a serious disease. 23.7% answered they had not previously received the vaccine because of the financial burden. Conclusion: The awareness of influenza is increasing among this population. However, the high uninsured rate, and the multiple barriers to care are likely to explain the lower rates of vaccination. Study findings will be used to develop community-level strategies to increase influenza vaccination among Korean Americans in NYC.