It’s flu season and as millions of American’s get their flu shots there is a segment of the population that is not – minority communities. U.S. health officials say that the black and Latino communities have a 45 to 50 percent rate of immunization compared to 70 percent for the general population.
There is now a concerted effort to reach these underserved communities that face a higher mortality rate from flu. Overall 36,000 people die from the flu virus and related complications.
Experts say 550 deaths in the Latino community could have been avoided if more Latino’s were immunized. Lack of trust in the government and safety misperceptions appear to be key reasons why many minorities don’t get the free flu shots offered.
