September 12, 2023

Important Disparities

Hispanics encounter several communicable disease health disparities. For example, their COVID-19 death rate is 8% higher than the rate for all Californians, as seen on the CDPH COVID Data Dashboard. Immunization against COVID-19 is an effective way to protect against COVID-19 complications and death.  

Vaccination rates for influenza, pneumonia, HPV, and hepatitis B are about 30% lower for Hispanics than for non-Hispanic Whites in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health. 

Please see the resources below and encourage your Hispanic patients to get vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases. Check out the interactive California Latino Power Map by the Latino Community Foundation to see which Latino non-profits are near you for potential collaboration.

Thank you for your partnership and commitment to improving the health of the Hispanic community in California.  

Resources

• La Conversacion
• COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence Communication Tools and Materials
• Hispanic Heritage Month
• California Latino Power Map 

Start Vaccinating High-Risk Adult Patients for Flu!

CDC recommends adults 65 years or older receive a high-dose, adjuvanted or recombinant flu vaccine if available. For younger adults with chronic conditions, any age-appropriate influenza may be given as outlined in the ACIP Schedule (by condition).

Additionally, other dangerous respiratory diseases like COVID-19 and RSV will circulate this fall. Co-administer the flu vaccine with the updated COVID-19 and new RSV vaccines. Older adults 60+ can now get the RSV vaccine with shared clinical decision-making from their medical provider.

Here are a few more tips when vaccinating your most vulnerable adult patients from flu:

• Make a strong recommendation for the flu shot!
• Provide flu clinics or offer flu vaccines during routine or sick visits.
• Partner with your local health department’s immunization program to provide opportunities for your patients to get vaccinated through flu clinics.

Additional flu resources:

• 2023-4 MMWR Summary on Influenza (CDC)
• 2023-4 Vaccine Resources for Health Professionals (CDC)
• Influenza Social Media Toolkit (CDC)
• Fight Flu Toolkit (CDPH)
• Don’t Wait Vaccinate Campaign Flu Toolkit (CIC)
• Recommended Vaccinations for Older Adults flyer (CDPH)

Thank you for keeping your adult patients safe and healthy!

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