Disparities in Flu Vaccination Rates Highlight Racial Gaps

A recent study published in the October 3, 2025, issue of Vaccine reveals persistent racial disparities in flu vaccination rates across different age groups and flu seasons. The research, conducted by Stephanie A. Irving and colleagues from the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research in Portland, Oregon, analyzed data from eight Vaccine Safety Datalink health systems. They examined flu vaccination coverage during the seasons from 2017–2018 to 2022–2023, focusing on five age groups: 6 months to 8 years, 9 to 17 years, 18 to 49 years, 50 to 64 years, and 65 years and older. The study consistently found that vaccination rates were highest among non-Hispanic Asian individuals and lowest among non-Hispanic Black individuals across all age categories and seasons. For instance, during the 2022–2023 flu season, the coverage gap between Asian and Black individuals ranged from 15.1 percentage points in those aged 65 and older to 32.7 percentage points in children aged 6 months to 8 years. Overall, the highest vaccination coverage was observed in adults aged 65 and older, with rates varying from 60.2% among Black adults to 75.3% among Asian adults. The authors emphasize the need for community-engaged, culturally tailored efforts to improve flu vaccination rates among racial and ethnic minorities, aiming to address barriers and increase uptake. They highlight that these disparities highlight ongoing challenges in achieving equitable healthcare practices and stress the importance of tailored outreach to ensure vulnerable populations are adequately protected against influenza.