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Factors Associated with Differential Uptake of Seasonal Influenza Immunizations Among Underserved Communities During the 2009–2010 Influenza Season

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Abstract

Influenza vaccination coverage remains low and disparities persist. In New York City, a community-based participatory research project (Project VIVA) worked to address this issue in Harlem and the South Bronx by supplementing existing vaccination programs with non-traditional venues (i.e., community-based organizations). We conducted a 10 min survey to assess access to influenza vaccine as well as attitudes and beliefs towards influenza vaccination that could inform intervention development for subsequent seasons. Among 991 participants recruited using street intercept techniques, 63% received seasonal vaccine only, 11% seasonal and H1N1, and 26% neither; 89% reported seeing a health care provider (HCP) during the influenza season. Correlates of immunization among those with provider visits during the influenza season included being US-born, interest in getting the vaccine, concern about self or family getting influenza, an HCP’s recommendation and comfort with government. Among those without an HCP visit, factors associated with immunization included being US born, married, interest in getting the vaccine, understanding influenza information, and concern about getting influenza. Factors associated with lack of interest in influenza vaccine included being born outside the US, Black and uncomfortable with government. In medically underserved areas, having access to routine medical care and understanding the medical implications of influenza play an important role in enhancing uptake of seasonal influenza vaccination. Strategies to improve vaccination rates among Blacks and foreign-born residents need to be addressed. The use of non-traditional venues to provide influenza vaccinations in underserved communities has the potential to reduce health disparities.

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Acknowledgments

This study was conducted as part of the Project VIVA (Venue-Intensive Vaccination for Adults) and is collaboration between the Harlem Community Academic Partnership (H-CAP) and the Center for Urban Epidemiologic Studies (CUES). The VIVA Intervention Working Group members are: Diane Bonavota (Palladia, Inc.) Keosha Bond (CUES), Ann Boyer (Mt. Sinai Medical Center), Ginger Crawford (CUES), Kandice Jones (CUES), Monique Kusick (CUES), Christal Montague (Palladia, Inc.), Ronnie Moore (Touro College of Pharmacy), Danielle C. Ompad (CUES), Sharon Stancliff (Harm Reduction Coalition), David Vlahov (CUES), and Edward Wake (New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene). This study was supported by a grant from the National Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities (1R24 MD002754).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, 2 Koret Way, N-319C, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA

    David Vlahov

  2. Center for Urban Epidemiologic Studies, New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10029, USA

    David Vlahov, Keosha T. Bond, Kandice C. Jones & Danielle C. Ompad

  3. Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, New York University Steinhardt School of Education, Culture and Human Development, 35 West Fourth Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY, 10012, USA

    Danielle C. Ompad

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  1. David Vlahov
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  2. Keosha T. Bond
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  4. Danielle C. Ompad
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Correspondence to David Vlahov.

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Vlahov, D., Bond, K.T., Jones, K.C. et al. Factors Associated with Differential Uptake of Seasonal Influenza Immunizations Among Underserved Communities During the 2009–2010 Influenza Season. J Community Health 37, 282–287 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-011-9443-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-011-9443-x

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