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Journal of Urban Health
Published in: Journal of Urban Health 4/2007

01-07-2007

Strategies for Improving Influenza Immunization Rates among Hard-to-Reach Populations

Authors: David Vlahov, Micaela H. Coady, Danielle C. Ompad, Sandro Galea

Published in: Journal of Urban Health | Issue 4/2007

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Abstract

Whereas considerable attention has been devoted to achieving high levels of influenza immunization, the importance of this issue is magnified by concern over pandemic influenza. Most recommendations for vaccine administration address high risk groups such as the elderly and those with chronic diseases, but coverage for hard-to-reach (HTR) populations has had less attention. HTR populations include minorities but also include other primarily urban groups such as undocumented immigrants, substance users, the homeless, and homebound elderly. Obstacles to the provision of immunization to HTR populations are present at the patient, provider, and structural levels. Strategies at the individual level for increasing immunization coverage include community-based educational campaigns to improve attitudes and increase motivation for receiving vaccine; at the provider level, education of providers to encourage immunizations, improving patient–provider interactions, broadening the provider base to include additional nurses and pharmacists, and adoption of standing orders for immunization administration; and at the structural level, promoting wider availability of and access to vaccine. The planning process for an influenza pandemic should include community engagement and extension of strategies beyond traditional providers to involve community-based organizations addressing HTR populations.
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Metadata
Title
Strategies for Improving Influenza Immunization Rates among Hard-to-Reach Populations
Authors
David Vlahov
Micaela H. Coady
Danielle C. Ompad
Sandro Galea
Publication date
01-07-2007
Published in
Journal of Urban Health / Issue 4/2007
Print ISSN: 1099-3460
Electronic ISSN: 1468-2869
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-007-9197-z

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