Dear Immunization Colleague,

The California Adult Immunization Coalition (CAIC) is pleased to present our report entitled, “The Unprotected: Characteristics of Older Adults in California Who Did Not Receive Their Annual Influenza Immunization.” Using data from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), the report assesses influenza immunization rates at the state, regional, and county level. We have selected key variables such as age, gender, race/ethnicity, perceived health status, and the presence of a common condition to help us better understand who is not getting immunized.

We believe this information will help adult immunization stakeholders to develop collaborative, evidence-base strategies to improve immunization rates, particularly among high-risk adults and adults with limited access to preventive care. This report is the first of a series developed to improve influenza immunization rates among older adults in California. Influenza is the largest preventable cause of mortality among older adults in our society and the CAIC is dedicated to achieving the highest possible immunization rates against this disease.

Ronald P. Bangasser, MD
Chair, California Adult Immunization Coalition (2004-2006)

The complete report can be found here (, 7.8mb).