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Mobile Flu Fighter! Development and Pilot Implementation of a Mobile Vaccination Program to Reduce Pediatric
Meredith R Denney1, Kelly Moore2, Barron Patterson2
1Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Clinical Pediatrics
|November 30, 2024
Summary
Community engagement efforts to increase pediatric flu vaccination rates in minority groups showed limited success. A pilot program provided free vaccines but overall vaccination rates decreased, highlighting challenges like vaccine hesitancy.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Severe pediatric influenza disproportionately impacts racial minority groups.
- Lower flu vaccination rates are observed in these same populations.
- Understanding vaccine decision-making among hesitant caregivers is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore vaccination decision-making among parents/caregivers who refused pediatric flu vaccination.
- To pilot a community-based program to increase pediatric flu vaccination rates.
- To assess the impact of a pilot program on pediatric flu vaccination coverage.
Main Methods:
- Community Engagement Studios were conducted with parents/caregivers refusing flu vaccination.
- A pilot program, "Mobile Flu Fighter!", offered free pediatric flu vaccines.
- Vaccinations were recorded in electronic medical records and state registries; community partners were involved.
Main Results:
- Four events were conducted during the 2021-2022 flu season, resulting in 49 pediatric flu vaccinations.
- Pediatric flu vaccination rates showed an overall decrease of 2.9% to 3.5% compared to previous seasons.
- Factors such as COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and infodemics may have influenced vaccination rates.
Conclusions:
- Community-based interventions require family-centered approaches to be effective.
- Addressing vaccine hesitancy and infodemics is essential for reducing pediatric vaccination disparities.
- Further research and targeted strategies are needed to improve pediatric flu vaccination coverage in minority populations.
