Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 12:00 PM
5441

Adult Coalition Plays a Key Role During a Challenging Flu Season

Jennifer Danzig1, K. Michael Peddecord2, Linda Davis3, Jan Campana, Kathe Gustafson, and Marge Wurgel4. (1) Community Health Improvement Partners (CHIP), 707 Broadway Suite 905, San Diego, CA, USA, (2) Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive MC - 4161, San Diego, CA, USA, (3) Alvarado Hospital Medical Center, Chair, CHIP Immunize San Diego Committee, CA, (4) County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Immunization Program, P-115B, P.O. Box 85222, San Diego, CA, USA


BACKGROUND:
With a primary focus of improving influenza vaccination, the adult immunization coalition sponsored by the Community Health Improvement Partners (CHIP) of San Diego completed its 7th flu season. The county-wide coalition includes professionals from more than 40 health care providers, drug stores, and the County Immunization Program.

OBJECTIVE:
1. Describe the composition, history and objectives of the coalition.
2. Assess the changes in activities during the 03-04 flu season.
3. Describe the challenges in integrating infant flu recommendations into future coalition activities.

METHOD:
Information is gathered from organizational records, coalition minutes and interviews.

RESULT:
The web site (www.sdchip.org) was a critical community resource during the peak flu season listing more than 400 flu vaccination sites. This was an increase of about 100 sites over the 02-03 season. The website, in its 6th year of operation, experienced a 30% increase in hits over the previous year. The toll free "flu hotline" received 7350 calls, including 322 in Spanish, more than double the '02-03 call volume. Based on geographic analysis of the 02-03 seasonal flu vaccination sites, sponsoring providers added several 03-04 clinics in the three zip areas identified as having limited geographic access. Teaming with the State campaign to raise awareness in the Latino community, the season kickoff press conference attracted a dozen TV and radio stations including those that have high market penetration among Latinos.

CONCLUSION:
Initiatives and services provided by coalition participants greatly enhance the adult immunization activities that are funded by governmental public health. Expansion of flu vaccination recommendations to include healthy 6-23 month old children will provide new challenges and opportunities in future years.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Describe key activities of a mature adult immunization coalition.


Web Page: www.sdchip.org/immunize.html