Summary of Promising Programs to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities

researched and compiled by Eric Jacobson, Sarah McCloskey, Erin Kennedy, and Michele Sloan
originally published in 2004

Other Sources | Health Conditions | System-wide Inerventions | Specific Ethnic Groups

Immunizations

last updated November 29, 2007

New York | Florida | Missouri | California | National Program

Background
According to the American Lung Association, minorities are particularly prone to influenza and pneumonia infections. About 65,000 people died from flu complications and pneumonia in 2003. African Americans and Hispanics are one-third less likely to receive vaccinations compared to whites. One out of four African-American children ages 19-35 months do not receive standard vaccinations.

State Programs
Existing programs focus on at risk populations, specifically infants and the elderly. Many provide vaccinations free of charge in local churches and health clinics. An important aspect of immunization programs is the provision of information in many languages with the help of interpreters.

New York

Migrant Health Immunization Initiative, Albany N.Y. – The program works to
increase the immunization rates in adult migrant farm workers and their
children. It also educates the population on the purpose and benefits of up-todate
vaccinations. The initiative facilitates the distribution of vaccines to
migrant programs and then tracks the systems to determine their efficiency.
Source: APHA. For more info, contact Kathie Fazekas, Immunization Program,
Albany, N.Y. www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/immun/immunization.htm For
more in-depth information regarding this initiative, visit
cdc.confex.com/cdc/nic2004/techprogram/paper_5384.htm

Florida

Florida Department of Health and the Bureau of Immunization – These organizations work together to reduce racial and ethnic disparities among citizens receiving vaccinations. They provide grants to local counties and private organizations with the intent to increase community-based healthpromotion and disease-prevention activities. The programs focus on both child and adult immunization, reaching more than 10,000 people per year. This program has been evaluated and found successful for the past five years. www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/immune

Missouri

St. Louis Area African American Older Adult Immunization Project – Coordinated by the St. Louis County Health Department since July 2000, the Promising Programs to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities 18 project focuses on improving influenza-vaccination rates among elderly African Americans (60 years and older.) Focus groups are held with the target population to identify key issues regarding attitudes, behaviors, beliefs, and knowledge regarding flu immunizations. The program recognizes the importance of time, trust, and community partnerships to achieve success. Source: NACCHO/ASTHO. For more information, contact Jocelyn Tobnick at 314-615-1674.

California

Immunizes LA Kids, Inglewood, Calif. – This coalition links public and private agencies to the community in order to implement strategies to improve immunization among Latino and African-American children. Immunization practices in physician offices are supported through ongoing technical assistance and resources. The program also reaches out to the community through culturally appropriate materials and media messages. Source: APHA.

National Programs

CDC National Immunization Program: Racial and Ethnic Adult Disparities Immunization Initiative – The program’s goal is to increase immunization of Hispanic and African-American seniors by supplying vaccines, promoting immunization registry to Medicaid beneficiaries, and placing vaccine orders for providers and nursing homes. Focuses on immunization for the influenza and pneumococcal viruses. www.cdc.gov/vaccines

READII (Racial and Ethnic Adult Disparities in Immunization Initiative) – This is a collaboration between HHS and CDC in an effort to reach one of the REACH 2010 goals concerning immunization. The majority of people who die because of vaccine preventable diseases are over the age of 65. Within this subgroup, the majority of these seniors are African American or Hispanic. READII is a demonstration project taking place in five states. This initiative has forged community partnerships and has developed plans in which immunizations are not only available to the elderly minority, but are also in higher demand. At the end of this project, the results and best practice methods will be published and available as a guide in efforts to help reduce disparities in immunizations. www.cdc.gov/nip/specint/readii/default.htm#what

For more information, e-mail Eric Jacobson or call him at 302-831-1711.

photo on this page courtesy of the Administration on Aging