PROMOTION OF INFLUENZA VACCINATION AMONG MEDICALLY VULNERABLE AFRICAN AMERICAN AND HISPANIC POPULATIONS

WHEREAS, for the last 30 years the severity of the influenza seasons has differed substantially year to year with a low of 3,000 to a high of 49,000 (CDC, 2013); and

WHEREAS, each year in the United States on average 5 to 20 percent of the population can be infected with the flu, more than 20,000 people may be hospitalized during the flu season (CDC, 2013); and

WHEREAS, the African American (34%) community continues to have lower vaccination rates in comparison to the general population (CDC, 2013); and

WHEREAS, the African American bear a disproportionate burden of those diseases that lead to flu-related health complications (NIMHHD, 2012); and

WHEREAS, Hispanic adults have the lowest vaccination rate among all adults (29.5%); and

WHEREAS, disparities in exposure, susceptibility, and access to timely and effective treatment for influenza have been documented with Hispanic populations (HHS, 2012); and

WHEREAS, disparities in chronic diseases/conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease prevail within Hispanic populations which lead to flu-related health complications (OMH, 2012); and

WHEREAS, the National Influenza Vaccination Disparities Partnership has been launched by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention specifically to address flu-related health disparities within the African American and Hispanic communities and to promote annual flu vaccinations for everyone six months and older,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The US Conference of Mayors, hereby proclaims the influenza season for 2013-2014 to be a concern of national importance; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The US Conference of Mayors urges all citizens to participate in local flu vaccinations drives and promotional activities planned here forth; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The US Conference of Mayors will broaden awareness about influenza vaccination coverage disparities within the African American and Hispanic communities by generating conversations that highlight the benefits of flu vaccines; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that our collected body recognizes the contribution of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Influenza Vaccination Disparities Partnership, and further urges Congress and Administration to provide the necessary resources to support this initiative.