OVERVIEW
This project is focusing on reducing the disparities in immunization coverage
for Hispanic adults aged 65 years and older using evidence-based methods
and community participation. Efforts focus on immunizations in non-traditional
settings, promoting standing orders in practice, hospital, and nursing
home settings, community-wide education and patient reminder/recall systems.

POPULATION DATA
San Antonio Total Population: 1.4 million
Hispanic Population 65 and Older: 51,000

COVERAGE DATA
Influenza Immunization Rate for Population 65 and Older (Texas-wide)*
Hispanic: 56% Caucasian: 69%
Pneumococcal Immunization Rate for Population 65 and Older (Texas-wide)*
Hispanic: 35% Caucasian: 62%
*Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, 1999 and 2001 combined average

KEY PARTNERS
The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District is taking a leadership role in this
effort. Partners will include the Texas Medical Foundation, the Bexar County
Medical Society, Mexican American Physician Association,Texas Department of
Human Services,Texas Department of Health, Bexar Area Agency on Aging, the
Alamo Area Council of Governments, Barrio Comprehensive, the HEB Grocery
Chain Pharmacists, Davila Community-based Pharmacists, City of San Antonio
Community Initiatives, American Association of Retired People, the American
Heart Association, Oakdell Pharmacists, and the San Antonio media.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES
The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District's program is focusing on four
main components.
• Implementing a variety of interventions, including those targeted at providers such as standing orders, reminder/recall and provider education, as well as expanded services at sites familiar to this population.
• Performing project planning by conducting a needs assessment of San Antonio's community capacity to deliver vaccines to adults and to utilize community stakeholders to develop a feasible action plan.
• Developing multimedia and communication materials targeting the elderly Hispanic populations and their caregiver family members throughout the city and utilize community partners to provide input to help localize or target media campaigns.
• Developing and implementing evaluation activities to measure vaccination coverage rates as well as improvements in provider immunization practices.

December 2002