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Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Influenza and Pneumococcal Immunization Rates among Medicare Beneficiaries

Immunization rates among older African Americans and Hispanics are lower than those for Whites

Despite the absence of Medicare cost sharing for influenza and pneumonia vaccinations, immunization rates among beneficiaries are less than optimal, with even lower rates among African Americans and Hispanics. This fact sheet discusses adult immunization recommendations and current Medicare immunization coverage policies, presents data on immunization disparities, and discusses factors that may contribute to disparities.