225536 Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccination coverage levels among Asians during the 2009-10 influenza season

Monday, November 8, 2010

Elizabeth Monsell, BS , National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases/CDC, SAIC/CDC, Atlanta, GA
Gary Euler, MPH, DrPH , National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA
Helen Ding, MD, MSPH , National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA
Pengjun Lu, MD, PhD , National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA
Surasak Youngpairoj, MD, MPH , College of Public Health, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Background: In June 2009, the WHO declared a worldwide pandemic of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. The U.S. vaccine became available October 5, 2009. Historically influenza vaccination coverage levels among Asians overall are similar to levels among non-Hispanic Whites.

Objective: To ascertain influenza A (H1N1) vaccination coverage levels among the Asian population in the U.S. and compare to levels among non-Hispanic Whites.

Methods: We used data from the BRFSS 2009-10 influenza supplemental telephone survey conducted during December 2009. We calculated H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccination coverage levels among Asians (n=579) and non-Hispanic Whites (n=24,648) by subgroups using SAS and SUDAAN to account for complex survey design. The t-test was used for statistical comparisons.

Results: H1N1 vaccination coverage levels among Asians and non-Hispanic Whites were (21.7% versus 21.6%) for recommended initial target groups, (27.7% versus 25.5%) for persons aged 6 months to 24 years, and (13.0% versus 17.9%) for persons aged 25 to 64 years with high-risk conditions. No statistical difference was found in these comparisons, p>0.05. Reliable estimates of coverage among Asians aged 65+ years are not yet available, due to limited sample size. Coverage levels for seasonal influenza vaccination were similar in pattern. (By November we will be able to report coverage across the main Asian ethnic groups represented in the U.S.)

Conclusions: Although influenza vaccination levels remain too low among both Asians and Whites, Asians overall received their H1N1 vaccinations at expected levels. However, coverage among some of the smaller Asian ethnic subgroups may have been lower.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Diversity and culture
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the session, the participant will be able to describe influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccination coverage levels among Asians overall, among subgroups and by ethnicity; and compare them to levels among non-Hispanic Whites.

Keywords: Immunizations, Disease Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I conducted the analysis and prepared the poster underdirection of the senior author Dr. Gary Euler.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3363.0: Asian & Pacific Islander Health Across the Life Course (e.g. prenatal, infant, child, adolescent, and/or aging)