BACKGROUND: Research reveals that influenza and pneumococcal immunization rates among blacks, Asians, and Hispanics significantly trail those of whites. This 2003 study examines recent trends and disparities for influenza and pneumococcal immunizations among elderly, non-institutionalized Medicare beneficiaries. METHODS: National samples of approximately 179,000 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries were surveyed by mail and telephone each year from 2000 to 2002. Outcomes include self-reported influenza immunization in the previous year and receipt of a pneumococcal immunization ever. RESULTS: Influenza immunization dipped in 2001 (69%) and almost rebounded to its 2000 level (73%) in 2002 (72%). Very substantial racial and ethnic disparities in the receipt of this preventive service exist between non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics relative to non-Hispanic whites. Pneumococcal immunization increased by 2% annually (61%, 63%, and 65%) for the same years. However, very substantial racial and ethnic disparities in the receipt of this preventive service also exist between non-Hispanic blacks, Asians/Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics relative to non-Hispanic whites. CONCLUSIONS: Younger, healthier, elderly persons must be encouraged to receive these immunizations to achieve the 2010 goal of 90% immunization. To reach that goal with no disparities, special efforts will be needed to target racial/ethnic minorities.
BACKGROUND: Research reveals that influenza and pneumococcal immunization rates among blacks, Asians, and Hispanics significantly trail those of whites. This 2003 study examines recent trends and disparities for influenza and pneumococcal immunizations among elderly, non-institutionalized Medicare beneficiaries. METHODS: National samples of approximately 179,000 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries were surveyed by mail and telephone each year from 2000 to 2002. Outcomes include self-reported influenza immunization in the previous year and receipt of a pneumococcal immunization ever. RESULTS: Influenza immunization dipped in 2001 (69%) and almost rebounded to its 2000 level (73%) in 2002 (72%). Very substantial racial and ethnic disparities in the receipt of this preventive service exist between non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics relative to non-Hispanic whites. Pneumococcal immunization increased by 2% annually (61%, 63%, and 65%) for the same years. However, very substantial racial and ethnic disparities in the receipt of this preventive service also exist between non-Hispanic blacks, Asians/Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics relative to non-Hispanic whites. CONCLUSIONS: Younger, healthier, elderly persons must be encouraged to receive these immunizations to achieve the 2010 goal of 90% immunization. To reach that goal with no disparities, special efforts will be needed to target racial/ethnic minorities.
Authors: Sharon G Humiston; Nancy M Bennett; Christine Long; Shirley Eberly; Lourdes Arvelo; Joseph Stankaitis; Peter G Szilagyi Journal: Public Health Rep Date: 2011 Jul-Aug Impact factor: 2.792
Authors: Matthew L Boulton; Alyse M Grossman; Rachel Potter; Patricia A Vranesich; Joshua Clayton Journal: Public Health Rep Date: 2011 Jul-Aug Impact factor: 2.792
Authors: Carlos Chiatti; Pamela Barbadoro; Giovanni Lamura; Lucia Pennacchietti; Francesco Di Stanislao; Marcello M D'Errico; Emilia Prospero Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2011-04-01 Impact factor: 3.295