274919 Eliminating Disparities in Seasonal Influenza: An Achievable Goal

Monday, October 29, 2012 : 8:30 AM - 8:50 AM

Jamila Rashid, PhD, MPH , Office of Minority Health, US Dept of Health & Human Services, Rockville, MD
During the 2010-2011 Influenza season 32.3% of Hispanics and 34.2% of Black or African American adults compared to 43.2% for general white population, received an Influenza vaccination. Lower rates among African American and Hispanics, 65 years and older are a particular concern since serious illness, and other public health consequences, including increased morbidity, hospitalizations, and mortality associated with influenza-related complications can occur at greater rates due to higher prevalence of multiple chronic conditions in these groups.

To reduce disparities related to Influenza, the Office of Minority Health, located in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with the National Vaccine Program Office, was charged with establishing an HHS Agency wide workgroup to improve Influenza vaccination rates among racial and ethnic minorities. This presentation will provide an overview of influenza coverage levels among racial and ethnic minorities, factors, and barriers that contribute to low vaccination rates, and associated goals, strategies, accomplishments, challenges, and outcomes achieved through this collaborative partnership. The presentation will also identify opportunities for further collaboration with public health, corporate, and community partners. 

Learning Areas:
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
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 education

Learning Objectives:
Describe collaborative public-private partnerships (federal, state, community and faith-based, corporate, professional) to improve Influenza vaccination rates of African American and Hispanic populations Describe the unique roles that medical, public health, faith and community leaders play in public health outreach and the reduction of health disparities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the Associate Director for Research and Policy in the office of Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I have over 15 years experience providing consultation and advice on improving childhood and adult influenza immunizations to local, state, national, and corporate partners. In addition, I am the co-lead of the HHS Adult Immunization workgroup, and previously served as the lead for HHS Adult Influenza disparities from 2009 through 2012.
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.