Celebrate Black History Month with CDPH

February is Black History Month, honoring the contributions and accomplishments of Black and African Americans.  Celebrate with us by promoting Black health and wellness.

Vaccination Rates Among Black Californians 

RSV, COVID-19, and Influenza (flu) vaccination rates remain low among Black and African Americans, leaving many vulnerable Californians at risk for severe disease or hospitalization. Please refer to the supportive resources below.

RSV Resources 

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) infections are most severe in infants and older adults. As Black and African Americans are at elevated risk for premature births,  chronic heart disease and lung diseases such as asthma, it is especially important to protect them against RSV.

You can help by continuing year-round administration of privately purchased RSV vaccines to adults aged 60 years and older. These vaccines protect older adults for at least 2 years. In addition, administer remaining supplies of nirsevimab to eligible infants and toddlers.  

Use of nirsevimab is summarized in this infographic. More information about late season prevention of RSV can be found in this communication.

Thank you for your continued efforts to protect and support the Black and African American community, including encouraging vaccinations such as RSV, COVID-19, and Flu. 

Resource Highlight: Black Infant Health Program 

The CDPH Black Infant Health (BIH) program empowers Black mothers with the goals of improving infant and maternal health, thereby decreasing inequities in infant and maternal mortality rates. Program services can be located in this directory. 

Other Respiratory Illness Prevention Resources: 

• Shot by Shot Campaign: Meligha’s COVID-19 Vaccine PSA 
• Webinar - Black Communities and COVID-19 Vaccines: Respectful and Caring Communications Recording and Slides 
• The Definitions of Equity, Equality, and Justice 
• Tuskegee Legacy Stories 
• EZIZ RSV resources page for providers and patients 
• RSV FAQs page 
• Nirsevimab Infographic for Providers 
• CDC guidance for infants, pregnant persons, older adults 
• Shared clinical decision-making for older adults receiving the RSV vaccine 
• Winter Immunizations (flu, COVID-19, and RSV)