August is National Immunization Awareness Month. With children, teens and young adults going back to school and adults are preparing for the upcoming flue season, August is a great time to make sure you and your children have the vaccinations you need. NIAM reminds us about the importance of immunization for ourselves and our community.

Immunization is one of the most important public health successes of the 20th century.

Vaccines have eliminated diseases like smallpox and poliovirus, as well as reduced the number of people affected by measles, rubella, pertussis, and other diseases. Despite these successes people in the U.S. are still dying from diseases that could be prevented by vaccines.

Getting immunized is a life-protecting community effort. Being aware of the vaccines recommended and making sure we receive these immunizations are critical to protecting ourselves and our communities from disease.

Data from the Center for Disease Control suggests the gap between immunization rates in minority and white populations has been narrowed, but there are still disparities among many racial, ethnic, and underserved populations, especially among adults. The older Hispanic and African-American population is less likely to be vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcal disease than the white population in the United States. Only 51 percent of older African Americans and 56 percent of older Hispanics received the influenza vaccine, compared to 70 percent of older non-Hispanic Whites (2008). In 2008, African American adults aged 65 and older were 30% less likely to have ever received the pneumonia shot, as compared to non-Hispanic white adults of the same age group. In 2008, Hispanic adults aged 65 and older were 40% less likely to have ever received the pneumonia shot, compared to non-Hispanic white adults of the same age group.

“Progress Toward Eliminating Disparities in Vaccination Coverage Among U.S. Children, 2000– 2008”a report from the American Journal of Preventative Medicine (2010) states progress has been made towards eliminating disparities in vaccination coverage in the U.S. but suggests we still need to work towards maintaining and advancing these reductions. Innovative strategies and continued efforts by our communities and health care experts are needed to ensure that underserved populations receive vaccinations.

The CDC suggests adults seek information about the risks for vaccine preventable diseases and ask their providers about vaccinations. Children and older adults are especially vulnerable to infection but immunizations and boosters are recommended for adolescents and adult as well.

Protect yourself; protect your community. Get vaccinated.

The Center for Closing the Health Gap in Greater Cincinnati is focused on disease prevention and is working to combat health disparities through embracing the transformation of health at the community level. We are committed to eliminating diseases so that treatment or therapy is not needed.

For more information, contact The Center for Closing the Health Gap at 513-585-9872

Source:

Center for Disease Control- Vaccines and Immunizations

Zhao, Zhen Ph.D and Elizabeth T. Luman Ph.D. “Progress Toward Eliminating Disparities in Vaccination Coverage Among U.S. Children, 2000–2008”.American Journal of Preventative Medicine.2010.