Immunization Coalitions Network News

Network News – August 8, 2014

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IAC's IZCoalitions Network webinar, "What's New in 2014–15 for Influenza Vaccination," scheduled for September 11

 
Please save the date! The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) invites you to participate in a one-hour webinar for immunization coalition leaders, members, and those who collaborate with coalitions on Thursday, September 11, at 1:00 p.m. ET (12:00 noon CT). "What's New in 2014–15 for Influenza Vaccination" will focus on new ACIP influenza recommendations and helpful resources for the 2014–15 season.
 
Agenda items will include:

  • Joseph Bresee, MD, FAAP, chief, Epidemiology and Prevention, Influenza Division, CDC, will provide an overview titled "Updates on ACIP Influenza Vaccine Recommendations for 2014–15"
  • Heidi Parker, executive director, Immunize Nevada, will describe her coalition's influenza outreach in a presentation titled "InFLUencing Nevada to Get Vaccinated." Immunize Nevada won an award from the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit for this program
  • Cindy Fowler, health communication specialist, CDC, will share new resources from CDC for the upcoming influenza season
  • Diane Peterson, associate director for immunization projects, IAC, will present an overview of IAC's influenza-related handouts
  • Laura Scott, executive director, Families Fighting Flu (FFF), will present information about FFF's 2014–15 campaign and related materials: Stay in the Game with Families Fighting Flu
  • Announcements from partners

IAC will circulate the final agenda and registration information the week before the webinar. Hope you all can join us! 
 
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Applications now open to host the 2016 National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions; deadline is October 1

 
Applications are open to host the 2016 National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions! Applications are due October 15, and can be downloaded from the conference website at http://healthcoalitionsconference.org. This biennial conference provides a unique opportunity to network with colleagues and learn up-to-date immunization and coalition-building skills. 
  
Please share this widely with potentially interested coalitions. The planning team at WithinReach would be happy to discuss any questions or ideas you have. Contact Sara Jaye Sanford, MPH, at sarajayes@withinreachwa.org or (206) 830-5175. 
 
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PBS's NOVA program to air documentary on vaccines September 10

 
NOVA, PBS's popular science series, has announced plans to premiere a film titled Vaccines—Calling the Shots on September 10. The one-hour film interviews many experts, explores the history and science behind vaccinations, and sheds light on the risks of opting out. The first two paragraphs of a related press release are reprinted below. 
 
Measles. Mumps. Whooping cough. Diseases that were largely eradicated in the United States a generation ago are returning. Across America and around the globe, children are getting sick and dying from preventable diseases—in part, because some parents are choosing to skip their children’s shots. How and why do vaccines work? What are the biggest concerns and misconceptions, and what are the risks to the child and society when people decide to forego immunization? The award-winning science series NOVA helps viewers find the answers they need. 
  
Misinformation about vaccines can spread quickly, creating confusion about the relative risks of vaccinating vs. not vaccinating. "Vaccines—Calling the Shots" is an important new film that encourages parents to ask questions and use the best available evidence to make decisions about how to protect their children. 
 
According to PBS, NOVA is the most-watched prime time science series on American television, reaching an average of five million viewers weekly. This new documentary is a great opportunity to provide evidence-based information about the safety and efficacy of vaccines to a large audience. Spread the word! 
 
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Vaccine Education Center's webinar, "Current Issues in Vaccines," to be held September 10

 
The Vaccine Education Center (VEC) at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia will present a free one-hour webinar, beginning at 12:00 noon ET on September 10. Continuing education credits will be available. Part of its "Current Issues in Vaccines" series, the webinar will feature Paul Offit, MD, director of VEC. Dr. Offit will discuss the following topics:

  • Yellow fever vaccine: Can one dose last a lifetime?
  • Influenza vaccine: Is LAIV better than IIV?
  • HPV vaccine: Are two doses as good as three?
  • HPV vaccine: New 9-valent vaccine
  • Vaccine safety: Febrile seizures
  • PCV13: What about adults?
  • Measles: Update on recent outbreak

Registration (required) is open now. 
 
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Nevada Health Conference will include CDC's Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases course, October 21–22

 
The 2014 Nevada Health Conference will be held October 20–22 in Reno, Nevada. The conference will include presentations by regional and national experts speaking on topics related to the theme “Keeping our Children, Families and Communities Healthy." CDC's live two-day Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases course is scheduled for October 21–22. The course provides a comprehensive review of immunizations and the diseases they prevent. Continuing education credits are available. 
 
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Ignite! New book by Dr. Fran Butterfoss explores how community coalitions can get fired up for change

 
A recently published book by Frances Dunn Butterfoss, PhD, is titled Ignite!, with the fitting subtitle: Getting Your Community Coalition 'Fired Up' for Change. Ignite! was written for volunteers and professionals who are ready to build and sustain innovation organizations and community coalitions that change policies, systems, and environments. The book's four parts—Before You Build It, Build It, Make It Work, and Sustain It—are filled with tools to spark ideas and resources to fire up any organization. 
 
Dr. Butterfoss is the founding president of Coalitions Work, a consulting group based in Virginia. You can access more information on Ignite! and Dr. Butterfoss's earlier book, Coalitions and Partnerships in Community Health, on the Tools & Resources section of the Coalitions Work website. 
 
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