Resources and Interest Among Faith Based Organizations for Influenza Vaccination Programs

Abstract

In the United States, annual influenza vaccination rates are suboptimal and are well below the national health objectives. Project VIVA mobilized community members and organizations to implement an influenza vaccination program in Harlem by administering vaccines in “non-traditional” venues, such as community-based organizations, pharmacies, and faith-based organizations (FBOs). FBOs have been recognized as important venues for health promotion initiatives within medically underserved communities. However, data regarding the extent of resources and interest in health promotion programs among FBOs are sparse. We conducted a telephone survey among 115 FBOs in three New York City neighborhoods with histories of low influenza immunization rates to identify the congregation’s health concerns, interest in serving as a community-based venue for influenza vaccinations, and existing resources for health programming. Twenty-six percent of the FBOs had an established health ministry, while 45% expressed interest in developing one. Seven percent included nurses among their health activities and 16.5% had contact with the local health department. Most FBOs expressed interest in common health promotions programs; 60% expressed interest in providing on-site influenza vaccination programs within their organization. Health programs within FBOs can be a point of access that may improve the health of their congregants as well as the larger community.

Organizational characteristics conducive to the implementation of health programs among Latino churches

“…Our findings are consistent with a number of other studies that found high levels of interest in offering health programs among FBOs [26,27]. Our finding that FBOs score highly on measures of organizational readiness suggests that they may be ready organizational partners for adoption of health interventions.…”

Associations among political voting preference, high-risk health status, and preventative behaviors for COVID-19

“…Given the urgent need for improved COVID-19 transmission prevention behaviors, and targeted public health campaigns for high-risk populations and their caretakers, we recommend building on lessons learned from successful prevention strategies and policies that can be applied to the conservative voting base. For example, leveraging community-based partnerships with conservative community organizations and using incentives such as monetary compensation to improve prevention adherence [65]. Increasing access to services and benefits (e.g., paid sick leave) that allow for individuals to engage in preventative health behaviors is also paramount [59,60].…”

Adolescent human papillomavirus vaccination in the United States: Opportunities for integrating pharmacies into the immunization neighborhood

“…Community engagement by the pharmacy within the Immunization Neighborhood is also of paramount importance, and in fact has been displayed as an untapped resource with needs that the vaccination 'team' (especially those with university affiliation) are well-positioned to assist with. 94 Of note, this approach assimilates patients and families representing those with pro-and anti-vaccine viewpoints, as well as those who are vaccine hesitant. Strategically, their proposed 'paths' in this concept are less divergent than one would initially think.…”