KEYWORD1:
Health disparities, multicultural communities, relationship building, culturally appropriate

BACKGROUND:
Immunization rates in Minnesota are generally high, but rates for people of color and American Indians lag behind. In an effort to eliminate this disparity, the Minnesota Department of Health has been working with multicultural communities on immunization interventions.

OBJECTIVE:
Improve relationships between the Minnesota Department of Health, communities of color and American Indians, educate community outreach workers and health care providers, and immunize people of color.

METHOD:
Three immunization events in multicultural communities were held to (1) improve relationships between the Minnesota Department of Health, communities of color, and American Indian populations and (2) to eliminate immunization disparities in those communities. The three events were (1) a statewide immunization workshop for community outreach workers, (2) a two-day workshop on immunization and other health issues for health care providers in Indian country, and (3) an influenza vaccination campaign in eight African American and African inner city churches.

RESULT:
Evaluations were conducted at each event. Results from the evaluations will be presented.

CONCLUSION:
Immunization information and services need to be delivered using culturally sensitive and culturally relevant methods.
LEARNINGOBJECTIVES:
Presentation of methods for reaching multicultural communities with immunization resources.