Faith and Flu: Evaluating the Role of Faith-Based Outreach and Trusted Messengers in Promoting Vaccination Among Older Black Adults

Flu vaccination disparities persist among Black adults in the United States, highlighting the need for culturally tailored vaccination promotion strategies. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 159 members of a faith-based health alliance to examine flu vaccine uptake and related influences. Seventy-four percent reported receiving the flu vaccine. Vaccination was associated with older age, health insurance coverage, proactive health behaviors, and receiving recommendations from doctors and pastors. Flu vaccine uptake was substantially higher than national rates for Black adults, suggesting faith-based outreach and trusted messengers are effective strategies for reducing vaccination disparities.