TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) – New research from Florida State University shows that African American children are less likely to get their flu shot than white children.
There has always been a gap when it comes to the number of African American children who get vaccinated compared to white kids - according to Doctoral Candidate Benjamin Dowd-Arrow.
"Starting in 2014, this gap just considerably widened and it appears that the trend is that it will continue to widen," said Dowd-Arrow.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 172 children have died from this year's flu season.
Dowd-Arrow encourages parents to make sure their kids get their flu shot.
Dowd-Arrow said the reason that African American children are not getting vaccinated is their parents aren't aware of the significance of vaccinations, parents are not taking their kids to get vaccinated and in some cases, the families lack healthcare.
"Certain populations in certain groups, especially in low income areas, tend to not have full information or access to the information," said Dowd-Arrow. "That can be changed with education programs through the health department, through schools, and towns to show that vaccines are safe because there is a fear in the general public that vaccines can cause worse disorders."
One medical expert is determined to reverse this trend. She wants parents to know that even if you don't have a health care provider for you child they are welcome at the Leon County Department of Health.
"The Health Department provides vaccinations as well. We provide them through several different programs, we have them for individuals who are children. We especially target individuals who are without a health care provider," said Nursing specialist Ann Waltz.
For other ways to learn more about how to get help and how to get vaccinated you are encouraged to visit leon.floridahealth.gov.
