Vote & Vax 2008

Publication Date: January 2008

Publisher: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Author(s):

Research Area: Health

Type: Report

Abstract:

As part of our strategy to spread promising program models to improve the health of at-risk populations in underserved communities, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is investing almost $750,000 to support the expansion of Vote & Vax clinics throughout the United States.

THE SITUATION

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza (flu) causes roughly 36,000 deaths per year. People 50 years and older and those with chronic conditions account for the majority of these deaths. To address this problem, the CDC recommends that all adults 50 years of age and older be vaccinated.

THE PROBLEM

Unfortunately—despite extensive public outreach efforts—about half of adults 50 years of age and older fail to receive their annual flu vaccination. Among Hispanics and African Americans in that same age group, the rates of individuals not receiving a vaccination are even higher.