Racial and ethnic disparities in US influenza hospital rates and influenza vaccination coverage persist, according to research published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Michael Jhung, MD, and colleagues examined influenza hospitalization and vaccination rates by race and ethnicity from the 2009-2010 through the 2021-2022 influenza seasons. The age-adjusted influenza hospitalization rates were higher among non-Hispanic Black (Black), American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN), and Hispanic adults compared with White adults from 2009-2010 through 2021- 2022 (rate ratios, 1.8, 1.3, and 1.2, respectively). Influenza vaccination coverage was lower among
Hispanic (37.9%), AI/AN (40.9%), Black (42.0%), and other/multiple race adults (42.6%) compared with Whites (53.9%) and Non-Hispanic Asians (54.2%) during the 2021-2022 season. Since the 2010-2011 season, coverage was
consistently higher for Whites and non-Hispanic Asians versus Black and Hispanic adults. The disparity in vaccination coverage by race and ethnicity was seen for those with medical insurance, those with a personal healthcare provider, and those who underwent a routine medical checkup in the past year.
