Influenza vaccine disparities have existed for many years, and continue in the 2010-2011 influenza season. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Rapid Flu Survey estimate influenza vaccination coverage among non-Hispanic whites at 35.8%, while coverage among non-Hispanic blacks was 27.1% and 25.4% among Hispanics.[1] Previous studies estimate that nearly 5,000 African Americans and 2,000 Hispanics die each year due to influenza and pneumonia-related complications.[2]
Protecting All From Flu – HHS Demonstration Project to Expand Efforts to Reduce Health Disparities in Flu Vaccination targets eight cities with existing vaccination disparities in a coordinated effort to improve influenza vaccination rates among underserved populations. In a second phase, in several cities not included in the initial eight, the HHS will work with national pharmacies to provide a limited supply of free vaccine vouchers. In Miami-Dade County, Walgreens has donated 20,000 vouchers for free flu shots to the Miami-Dade County Health Department (MDCHD) for distribution to multiple organizations in Miami-Dade County. For more information you can contact the MDCHD at 305-324-2400.
Recognizing that local public health officials and their community partners have worked tirelessly to reduce disparities among African Americans and Hispanics when it comes to the flu, the new HHS Demonstration project seeks to give them extra help, attention and resources to coordinate efforts to address this long standing challenge.
This project is a public-private partnership of national and local public health agencies, in conjunction with national minority health organizations, pharmacies and providers as well as community and faith-based organizations to supplement and complement existing efforts through targeted media, provider, and community outreach to provide a limited quantity of free flu vaccinations. This effort will implement interventions that may reduce barriers and improve access to influenza immunizations for underserved populations.
As seasonal flu tightens its grip in communities across the country, public health officials are reminding everyone to routinely and properly wash their hands, which is one of the simplest, most important and effective defenses against the spread of germs and disease.
