Faith-based organizations and public health agency collaborations: Reaching at-risk, vulnerable populations with seasonal influenza immunizations

Background: Disparities in seasonal influenza highlight the importance of reaching vulnerable and minority populations with pandemic and seasonal influenza prevention. Faith-based organizations are often well-respected, trusted sources of information and guidance within their communities; as such, they are uniquely positioned to reach diverse populations with public health messages and interventions. We describe a model for working with community and faith-based organizations of different religious traditions to reach vulnerable populations. Methods: Ten diverse sites were selected based on their ability to reach vulnerable populations. Sites receive a small grant each year, training, technical assistance and up-to-date influenza information regularly. Sites focus on assuring access to prevention information and services for uninsured, low-income minorities, immigrants, refugees, homeless and migrant farm workers. A coordinating center collaborates with national partners to disseminate lessons learned from model sites through different public health networks. Results: From October 2009-April 2012, 10 sites conducted outreach through community and faith-based networks of 4606 organizations. During the current flu season, 14,387 persons have been vaccinated during 97 clinic events. All sites work with health departments, healthcare systems, and/ or Walgreen's to host vaccination clinics or supply volunteers. Most recently seven of the sites administered 1848 surveys at clinic sites to better understand the demographics, attitudes, and behaviors of those served. These data will be described during this session. Case studies are being conducted on three sites to better understand local capacity that extends the reach of public health to hard to reach populations through these kinds of trusted community networks.