Native America Calling: Can the right approach close the Native immunization gap?

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Thursday, April 18, 2024

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Can the right approach close the Native immunization gap?

Native Americans are among the populations with the lowest rate of vaccinations, whether it’s for flu, measles, COVID-19, or hepatitis B.

Health professionals urge parents to immunize their infants against more than a dozen serious diseases including polio, pertussis, diphtheria, and mumps. But poverty, lack of health insurance, and distance to health providers are among the barriers that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says keep rates for Native Americans low.

On top of that, misinformation and confusion about vaccines creates additional hesitation for parents. Join Native America Calling to talk with doctors about the factors that might improve immunization rates as a way to improve overall health.

A patient takes part in an immunization hosted by the Oklahoma City Indian Center at its annual Men’s Health Fair in 2023. Photo courtesy Oklahoma City Indian Clinic