274923 Engaging African American Stakeholders to Promote Influenza Vaccination among Underserved Communities

Monday, October 29, 2012 : 9:30 AM - 9:50 AM

Patricia Green, MSPR, MSW , HMA Associates, Inc., Washington, DC
The CDC's National Influenza Vaccination Disparities Partnership (NIVDP) responds to low flu vaccination coverage among disparate populations, including African Americans. This group is among the highest number of Americans unvaccinated against the flu. Data shows individuals with chronic illnesses are predisposed to greater health complications when they contract the flu. High rates of hospitalizations among African Americans may be due to their having higher rates of asthma and diabetes, diseases known to increase the risk of flu complications.

Engaging trusted African American stakeholders, key influencers, at the local level is an effective way to motivate and educate on the vaccination's safety and importance. The presenter will address the CDC's National Influenza Vaccination Disparities Partnership (NIVDP) campaign integral to African American outreach. The presentation will provide a snapshot of Year One activities, specifically best practice outreach strategies, challenges and opportunities. The presenter also will explore basic tactics that influence African American flu vaccination uptake and will provide examples of how a planning with, not planning for model heightens success.

Learning Areas:
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related education

Learning Objectives:
Identify barriers and motivators for diverse African American communities that impact influenza vaccination coverage. Discuss community engagement outreach strategies to secure action driven partners that promote influenza vaccination within the African American population. Create linkages with African American grassroots partners that can leverage resources to increase awareness about flu vaccination disparities at a grassroots level.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am adept at developing communications strategies particularly relative to health promotions targeting diverse populations. My work has encompassed a variety of tactics yet what stands out is my ability to recruit and galvanize diverse stakeholders/partners audiences around a unified voice critical to improved health outcomes for hard-to-reach populations.
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.