Partnering With Faith-Based Organizations to Offer Flu Vaccination and Other Preventive Services

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community Health
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Influenza vaccination rates in the US remain suboptimal, with disparities observed in Black children.
• Medical mistrust in communities of color, stemming from systemic racism, contributes to vaccine hesitancy.
• Faith-based organizations offer a promising avenue to build trust and improve vaccine uptake.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of partnering with faith-based organizations to increase pediatric influenza vaccination.
• To evaluate the impact of community-based vaccination events on access to healthcare and preventive screenings.
• To address health disparities in influenza vaccination among minority children.

Main Methods:

• Collaborated with faith-based organizations to host community influenza vaccination events.
• Administered 600 pediatric influenza vaccines between 2016 and 2019.
• Assessed for the presence of a medical home and conducted preventive screenings during events.

Main Results:

• Successfully administered 600 pediatric influenza vaccines through community partnerships.
• Over 80% of youth attendees reported having a medical home annually.
• Preventive screenings revealed high rates of abnormal body mass index ( >33%) and dentition (50%).

Conclusions:

• Partnerships with deeply embedded community organizations, like faith-based groups, can significantly enhance public health promotion.
• Community-based vaccination strategies are effective in reaching underserved populations and addressing health disparities.
• Faith-based collaborations can serve as a platform for both vaccination and essential health screenings.