Racial Disparities in Adolescent Flu Immunization Rates

Racial disparities in uptake of flu vaccine among adolescents is a concerning public health issue. Factors contributing to these disparities include socioeconomic status, limited access to healthcare, historical mistrust in medical systems, and systemic barriers that disproportionately affect minority communities. The CDC reported flu deaths in children reached a new high during the 2019-2020 season in the U.S. Approximately 78% of children who died from flu had not received flu vaccinations. To combat this threat effectively, all adolescents should receive their annual flu vaccine.

The graphs below display flu immunization coverage rates for adolescents ages 11-17 years by race and ethnicity for the 2019-2023 flu season. These statewide coverage rates represent the percentage of individuals with a flu vaccination as of Feb 15, 2023, as reported to the Tennessee Immunization Information System (TennIIS.) In the 2022-2023 Tennessee flu season, the White population had higher rates of immunization (14.9%) when compared to Black/African American population (12%). When it comes to ethnicity, Hispanic individuals demonstrate higher rates (28.6%) when compared with non-Hispanics (17.2%). The state average flu coverage rate in 2023 is 18.4%.

Public health initiatives to increase flu vaccine rates must be implemented to address immunization health disparities among minority populations and ensure that every Tennessean has an equal opportunity to be protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Because of voluntary reporting of non-federally funded vaccines, these rates are subject to geographic and demographic variations contingent upon provider engagement with TennIIS. This data should not be regarded as indicative of the complete immunization status for Flu within this population. Current efforts to increase TennIIS participation remain a top priority for increasing data completeness.

You can view interactive vaccination dashboards at https://www.tn.gov/health/vaxdash. For questions or more information, email vpdip.quality@tn.gov.