CHSU Discovery

Abstract

Childhood and adolescent immunizations are among the most effective public health interventions, yet vaccination rates remain low in underserved communities. In California’s Central Valley, Omni Health clinics report vaccination rates as low as 12–14%, compared to the national average of approximately 40%. Barriers in rural communities include communication challenges with healthcare providers, limited time and resources, transportation difficulties, and restricted clinic hours1.Parental concerns involve vaccine safety, misinformation, and distrust in healthcare systems, potentially influenced by education, prior experience, and/or community beliefs2,3.

This study aims to identify the three most important barriers in Omni Health patients within California’s Central Valley to improve childhood and adolescent immunization rates for this population.