Race, culture, and trust: why should I take a shot if I'm not sick?

This three-part panel discussion provides information on: 1) the role religious leaders can take in influencing health care, health access, and compliance; 2) barriers to equal health care and major gaps in immunizations among Hispanics; and 3) population management strategies for public health officials and private practice physicians. Citing barriers such as mistrust of government programs, socioeconomic conditions, lack of access to preventive healthcare services, cultural attitudes, and lack of education about immunizations, the speakers also offered solutions to overcome resistance to immunization. Panel members supported these strategies and provided techniques to implement the strategy: engaging faith-based organizations, improving patient-provider communication; and creating public health initiatives to be culturally competent.