Vote and Vax: Flu Shots Administered to Voters on Election Day

Background:
Millions of Americans vote in elections each fall. Among these voters are thousands who are at risk for the flu. The Vote and Vax Project provides individuals with the convenience of receiving the influenza vaccine while fulfilling their patriotic duty.

Setting:
Voting precints in Memphis, TN.

Population:
Targeted population was the elderly, low income, African Americans, and Hispanics in three zip codes: 38114, 38128, 38115. Each area had 60% or greater African American Population. In two of the zip codes, the percentage of individuals living below the poverty level was greater than the national average, and in zip code 38115 there is a considerable Hispanic population.

Project Description:
The Health Department partnered with the local Immunization Coalition to implement the Project on November 4, 2008. In consultation with the Shelby County Election Commission, clinic sites were selected based on location, convenience, safety, and the frequency of voters for each polling site. Advertisements and interviews were conducted on local news outlets. Two clinics were held from 7:00 am – 11:00 am and one clinic was held from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Clinics were staffed by health department personnel and coalition volunteers. TennderCare Program staff was stationed outside polling centers and disseminated Vote and Vax flyers to would-be voters. As voters exited the voting area, they were directed to the Vote and Vax Clinic site. Patients registered, received vaccine, and completed exit survey.

Results/Lessons Learned:
176 individuals were served. 41.5% reported they probably would not have received the vaccine elsewhere. During the last influenza season (07/08), only 35.8% of the recipients reported receiving the influenza vaccine. Voter turnout was low due to early voting in TN. Planners should review polling statistics to identify the most optimum locations and times. Training of ground-level staff should be conducted to ensure consistent and continuous operation at each clinic site.