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.