Oral

Close to 52% (48.2 ± 5.8) of African American and 46% (53.6 ± 6.5) of Hispanic/Latino seniors (65 years and older) * do not receive an annual influenza vaccination despite the benefits, safety, and availability of the vaccine through Medicare/Medicaid, health insurance plans, and availability at pharmacies, health departments, and other venues at minimal or no cost. This session will share current data on influenza vaccination rates in African American and Hispanic seniors and will describe the burden and related health consequences of influenza on minority populations. The session will also provide an update on federal and non federal initiatives to improve influenza vaccination rates in minorities and lessons learned from a two-year partnership among the Office of Minority Health, National Vaccine Program Office; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Office on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships; and other federal agencies collaborating with community and corporate partners to reduce influenza vaccination barriers and improve national influenza coverage rates among minorities. *March Influenza Vaccination Coverage, United State, 2011-2012 Flu Season available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/nfs-survey-march2012.htm

Session Objectives: Identify and demonstrate steps to implementing and sustaining action-oriented public/private and community/faith-based partnerships that promote flu immunizations in minority populations. Describe barriers and motivators to influenza vaccination in minority populations and strategies for improvement. Identify strategies to target and improve influenza rates in minorities based on available data and evidence- based recommendations.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)