WASHINGTON — H1N1 flu hospitalization rates for African Americans, Hispanics and American Indian/Alaska Natives were nearly two to one higher than rates for Whites during the 2009-2010 flu season, according to a new report, “Fighting Flu Fatigue,” from the Trust for America's Health. At the same time, both H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccination rates were lower for African Americans and Hispanics than for Whites.
During the 2009-2010 flu season:
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African American hospitalization rates were 29.7 per 100,000 people compared with White hospitalization rates of 16.3 per 100,000 people. Hispanic hospitalization rates were 30.7 per 100,000 people.
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H1N1 vaccination rates were 9.8% lower for African American adults and 4.2% lower for African American children than for Whites.
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Seasonal flu vaccination rates were 16.5% lower for African American adults and 5.6% lower for African American children than for Whites.
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H1N1 vaccination rates were 11.5% lower for Hispanic adults than for Whites, although rates were 5.5% higher for Hispanic children.
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Seasonal flu vaccination rates were 21.7% lower for Hispanic adults and 2.6% lower for Hispanic children than for Whites.
