African American adults adhere to influenza vaccination at lower rates than white adults, according a new study published in the journal Vaccine.
For the study, researchers surveyed 819 African Americans and 838 Caucasians to assess racial consciousness, trust in the flu vaccine, vaccine beliefs and perception of racial fairness in the healthcare setting.
The African American cohort reported thinking about their race more often, expressed lower confidence in vaccinations and were less likely to be vaccinated against influenza. Their white counterparts had a greater perception of racial fairness, higher trust in the flu vaccine, a lower perception of vaccine side effect risk and displayed higher flu shot adherence.
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!
"This has important implications for how we train healthcare providers to talk with patients about the vaccine," said Sandra Quinn, PhD, professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Health in College Park. "Our race makes a difference in how we see the world and how the world sees us. The extent to which people perceive they are being treated fairly and respectfully, and that the information about vaccination is tailored to them may have a big impact on how people perceive the flu vaccine and the likelihood that they will take it."
Approximately 39 percent of African Americans receive an annual flu shot compared to 47 percent of whites.
More articles on infection control:
Is the world ready for the next major disease outbreak? These researchers don't think so
Rethinking hand hygiene: 5 things to know about the little-known world of skin microbiota
California hospitals with high rates of HAIs have not been inspected in years, investigation finds