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Racial & Ethnic Adult Disparities in Immunization Initiative
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READII
Racial & Ethnic Adult Disparities Immunization Initiative - Mississippi |
| Overview |
The Mississippi READII project is focusing on raising immunization rates among African American elderly in 19 rural Delta counties by developing educational activities and increasing access to immunization services. |
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| Population |
19-County Total Population: 707,000
African American Population 65 and Older: 33,000 |
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| Coverage |
Influenza Immunization Rate for Population 65 and Older (Mississippi-wide):
African American: 43% Caucasian: 69%
Pneumococcal Immunization Rate for Population 65 and Older (Mississippi-wide):
African American: 27% Caucasian: 61%
*Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, 1999 and 2001 combined average |
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| Key Partners |
The Mississippi Department of Health is taking a leadership role in this effort. Partners include local health departments, community organizations, and providers in the following 19 Mississippi counties:
Bolivar, Coahoma, Grenada, Hinds, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, LeFlore, Tunica, Panola, Quitman, Sharkey, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Yalobusha, Yazoo, Warren, Washington. |
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| Project Activities |
The project aims to expand accessibility of immunizations and to promote the effectiveness of immunizations to the elderly population through:
- Provider education and assessment of immunization rates.
- Regional planning meetings involving all stakeholders in targeted intervention
areas.
- Communication needs assessment and provider surveys to determine perceptions
of the target populations and identification of immunization barriers.
- Production of influenza and pneumococcal educational materials and public service announcements.
- Increased hiring of nurses to administer vaccinations.
- Promotional events, including many during National Adult Immunization Awareness Week.
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Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
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