LIVE - Latino Influenza Vaccine Education Initiative: a Primer for School Influenza Vaccinations in the Latino Population

Background:
The Colorado Influenza and Pneumococcal Alert Coalition (CIPAC) goal is to decrease vaccine-preventable respiratory disease through education and immunization. CIPAC, Tri-County Health Department (TCHD), Aurora Public School District (APS), Evolve Communications, Kirshner Communications, and Entravision Colorado worked together to create a culturally competent social marketing campaign designed to educate Spanish speaking Latinos about the importance of receiving an influenza vaccination.

Setting:
Two elementary schools in the APS District in Colorado, linked by a school-based health center.

Population:
School #1 had 551 students; approximately 86% received free/reduced lunch and 80% were English language learners. School #2 had 501 students; approximately 89% received free/reduced lunch and 79% were English language learners.

Project Description:
The team worked with APS to conduct influenza vaccination clinics in October and November of 2008. Prior to the clinics, there was ongoing Spanish media-based education. Parents were directly sent information on the clinics through the school. Two clinics were hosted in each school to accommodate children who needed two influenza doses. Families were provided information on influenza vaccination, and on how to obtain additional needed immunizations. Student vaccinations were provided through the VFC program. Low cost vaccination was offered to family members.

Results/Lessons Learned:
In the four clinics, a total of 1207 vaccinations were given. In school #1, 372 doses were given at clinic one (270 children, 102 adults). At clinic 2, 244 doses were given (191 children, 53 adults). In school #2, 358 doses were given at clinic one (236 children, 122 adults). At clinic 2, 233 doses were given (175 children, 58 adults). Challenges identified in reaching this population included a low literacy level and transportation difficulties
Ongoing sustainability remains a concern. Our goals include building the partnerships that will enable this project to be sustainable. In addition, ongoing education is needed in the Latino population regarding the severity of influenza.