Federal officials say they are trying to improve their outreach to African-Americans to ensure they get vaccinated for both the seasonal and the H1N1 flu viruses.

“About 100 million people, or one in three, get vaccinated,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the Centers for Disease Control's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “We see lower rates among African-Americans. In adults under the age of 65, there is a 12 percentage point difference.”

Among black adults at high-risk for exposure to the flu, only one in four are getting vaccinated.

Schuchat and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius briefed reporters in a conference call Wednesday about their outreach efforts, particularly in the black community, and explained how the vaccination program would be rolled out.

Currently, Americans are being urged to get vaccinated for the seasonal flu. Late this month, Sebelius said, the program for H1N1 – formerly known as swine flu – will begin.

Sebelius said pregnant women, children ages six months to 24 years of age and those ages 25-64 who have chronic health conditions, health care workers and emergency responders should be among the first to get vaccinated and that “others should strongly consider” getting the H1N1 flu shot.

State and local officials will determine where the vaccine will be made available by partnering through public health departments, community centers, schools, churches and faith-based programs. Sebelius and Schuchat said the vaccine would be available at no-cost through the partner programs, although some providers may bill health insurers for administrative costs.

Officials have set up a Web site, flu.gov, and posted information on Facebook and Twitter to get the word out.

Those who have colds or mild illnesses can still get vaccine shots or the nasal spray, Schuchat said. Those with moderate to severe illness should consult their doctors before taking the shots. Anyone who is allergic to eggs should avoid the vaccines for the seasonal and H1N1 viruses because both are egg-based. Officials recommend that those who cannot take the flu vaccine, as well as people in high-risk categories, should get the pneumococcal vaccine to prevent pneumonia because it can complicate the effects of the flu.

The feds did take some heat from reporters Wednesday about the way they are reaching out – or not – to black radio, historically black colleges and universities and other venues to get the word out to African-Americans, particularly those who may not have regular Internet access.

“We’re working on PSAs (public service announcements) that are available for use on radio,” Schuchat said. “We’ve got posters and bus ads and other things for people who are not using the Internet for their primary source of information,” she added, but later acknowledged that outreach could be improved and that “we’ll go back and work on that.”

Later in the day, it was announced that flu.gov now features a self-evaluation guide that will give individuals information about what they can do to take care of themselves, prevent the spread of the flu to other members of their families and identify the warning signs of more serious flu symptoms - symptoms that require the attention of a medical professional.

Please Login or Register to post comments on this article

Close Comment  |   Read More Comments Hide More Comments

Comments * :

Please do not enter the HTML tags(Maximum 600 characters).

I must have more****urance from the Fed that this is tested for effects! How do you know that this will not effect us negatively?

by   
Soldierswife
October 8, 2009, 7:54 am
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is a personal choice to be vaccinated or not...My family has decided to be vaccinated..... I think as African Americans we tend to disregard sound health care advice .....not because we are educated about the pros and cons but we historically don't take our health or the health of our love ones serious. This is a very serious illness and should not be taken lightly. Prior to disregarding this advice please talk to a health care provider that you trust and make an educated decision. This could mean life or death for your family members.....Empower yourself

by   
Reality_Check
October 8, 2009, 7:45 am
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anytime the feds encourage a vaccine for Afro-Am. it makes me scared. Remember the Tuskegee airmen. Naw, I'm passing on that. I will not be a guinea pig. Besides, I haven't taken a flu shot since 1996. I always got sick within 24 hrs of taken it.

by   
Yvonn22e
October 8, 2009, 7:19 am
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hmmm...not so sure about this particular vaccine as of yet, still too new on the market! I sure wouldn't want to be a "guinea pig" for anyone. I am going to give it at least two years on the market first. In the meantime, I will just observe other's reaction to this brand new vaccine. Did some research about H1N1...seems that alot of people became paralyzed and died due to this vaccine. No thanks, I think I'll pass on this one!

by   
Barackie
October 8, 2009, 6:57 am
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------