April 14, 2022

Network News – April 14, 2022

Webinar/Biennial Meeting

Register today! National Conference for Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships to be held in person September 13–15, 2022, in Minneapolis, MN.

Immunize.org and Voices for Vaccines are co-sponsoring the 15th National Conference for Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships (NCICP), which is planned as an in-person meeting in Minneapolis/St. Paul at the Radisson Blu Mall of America on September 13–15, 2022. The NCICP is the only conference solely dedicated to collaboration and partnership to improve immunization uptake, educate our communities, and prevent the spread of disease. The conference is an engine to address immunizations and public health challenges by sharing successful strategies that strengthen the work our coalitions and partnerships do.

Coalition News, Top Stories, and Events

The National Network of Immunization Coalitions welcomes Lujan Soler, MD, of the newly revived Miami-Dade Immunization Coalition!

The National Network of Immunization Coalitions would like to recognize the work of Lujan Soler, MD, and all of the coalition members of the newly revived Miami-Dade Immunization Coalition and welcome them to the National Network of Immunization Coalitions! Dr. Soler is the vaccines program coordinator at Fighting Infectious Diseases in Emerging Countries (FIDEC), a nonprofit organization based in Miami, FL. Created in 2001, FIDEC developed programs to fight infectious diseases in Latin America and the United States.

Miami-Dade Immunization Coalition was relaunched in 2019 with the participation of the FIDEC, the University of Miami, the Florida Department of Health in Miami Dade, and representatives from governmental and private organizations. Miami-Dade County is among the most diverse counties in the United States. During the pandemic, there has been an increase in requests for vaccination exemptions for religious reasons, growing distrust in the healthcare community, and misinformation about COVID 19 vaccines in the general population.

The mission of the coalition is to:

Collaborate with and support the county public health department
Increase immunization through education, networking, and sharing best practices
Develop, implement and monitor immunization strategies aimed to maximize protection against all vaccine-preventable diseases

Coalition participants are representatives from public and private organizations that meet quarterly to share updated information about vaccination rates in the community, identify and resolve obstacles for optimal immunization practices, and share information, ideas, successes, and challenges among coalition members.

Chester County Immunization Coalition launches HPV Dental Project to encourage dentists to advocate for HPV vaccine

The Chester County Immunization Coalition, along with Bucks County Immunization Coalition and Northampton County Immunization Coalition, are working to educate dentists to be advocates for HPV vaccination. Chester County Immunization Coalition is also partnering with the PA Oral Health Coalition and the Chester/Delaware County Dental Society in this effort.

As oral health providers, dentists play a critical role in patient education and recommending HPV vaccination to prevent oral cancers. Chester County Immunization Coalition has developed materials on the HPV vaccine for dentists to share with their patients including branded bags and materials to hand out at the dental office to patients, a Preventing Cancer at the Dentist patient brochure, and three HPV at the Dentist provider handouts. The PA Oral Health Coalition has recently received funding to expand the HPV toolkit project to all dental providers in PA!

To gain access to your own branded HPV-related materials, visit teammaureen.org.

Related Link

Pediatrics: Safety of the 9-Valent Human Papilloma Vaccine (12/1/19)

Pennsylvania Immunization Coalition posts blog “Polio and COVID-19: Then and Now from Three Polio Survivors” in March

The Pennsylvania Immunization Coalition (PAIC) released its March blog post titled Polio and COVID-19: Then and Now from Three Polio Survivors. The blog post features three polio survivors from the Pennsylvania Polio Survivors Network discussing their experiences with polio and post-polio syndrome, the overlap with COVID-19, and important takeaway lessons.

This blog post and others can be found on the PAIC Immunization Blog main page.

California Immunization Coalition releases “ShotbyShot: Stories of Vaccine Preventable Diseases,” a curated collection of more than 250 videos and stories of people whose lives have been affected by vaccine preventable diseases

The California Immunization Coalition released ShotByShot: Stories of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, a curated collection of more than 250 videos and written stories of people whose lives have been affected by vaccine-preventable diseases. This collection also includes vaccine testimonials and PSAs. Over the past year, COVID-19 stories have been added to the collection. Stories are produced by California Immunization Coalition and have also been acquired through contributions from partners.

If your immunization coalition would like to contribute stories to ShotbyShot, please contact Tammy.Pilisuk@cdph.ca.gov.

**Immunize Kansas Coalition and Kansas State Research and Extension launch Get Caught Up Campaign to encourage Kansans to catch up on recommended immunizations**

The Immunize Kansas Coalition (IKC) has partnered with Kansas State Research and Extension (KSRE) with funding from CDC Foundation to create the Get Caught Up Campaign to encourage Kansans to catch up on recommended vaccines. The new campaign was designed with several options for customization including multiple formats, color schemes, photos, and Spanish translations. Through the campaign development process, customization options were requested and added to support maximum participation by local partners who can tailor the materials to fit their local contexts and communities.

A QR code on the flyers, posters, and business cards goes to the Get Caught Up Campaign web page on the IKC website with links to answers to common questions about vaccines, vaccine information for specific populations, and vaccine information in Spanish.

To learn more or to see how the campaign could be adapted for use in your state or organization, email the IKC staff at staff@immunizekansascoalition.org

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Pennsylvania (PA) Immunization Coalition and PA Chapter of the AAP to fund PA organizations and immunization coalitions to address access to, and education around, vaccines, particularly COVID-19 vaccines; applications due May 1

The Pennsylvania Immunization Coalition (PAIC) and the PA Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (PAAAP) are awarding PA state and local organizations and immunization coalitions with funding of up to $250,000 over a two-year period to address and educate about vaccines, particularly the COVID-19 vaccine. This funding opportunity will be available starting July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024. The application will remain open through the month of April and all submissions will be due by the end of the day on May 1.

Apply for grant funding. Contact Kayla Knock at kknock@paaap.org with questions.

Montgomery County Immunization Coalition hosts “COVID-19 Vaccines Virtual Conversation” webinar on April 28 and develops social media toolkit in observance of National Minority Health Month

The Montgomery County Immunization Coalition (MCIC, Pennsylvania) in partnership with the Norristown NAACP chapter will host a webinar titled National Minority Month: COVID-19 Vaccines Virtual Conversation at 7:00 p.m. (ET) on April 28. During the webinar, healthcare and community leaders will discuss the latest information on the importance of COVID-19 vaccination, including boosters, as one of the strongest tools to end the COVID-19 pandemic that has disproportionately affected communities of color. Attendees can submit questions in advance or ask them live.

MCIC also developed a social media toolkit in support of National Minority Health Month (NMHM) in April. MCIC’s toolkit brings attention to the importance of COVID-19 vaccination, including boosters, as one of the strongest tools to end the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately affects communities of color.

The toolkit includes social media images and messages in six languages: Chinese, English, Hindi, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese. The images and messages can be used across social media platforms to encourage communities to get all the recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including a booster during NMHM. Include the hashtags #NMHM2022 and #BoostYourCommunity with your posts.

Related Links

- MCIC: Social Media Toolkit (PDF)
- NIH: National Minority Health Month main page

National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit will hold a 1-hour panel discussion on hepatitis B vaccination implementation and hepatitis B elimination on April 28

National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit (NAIIS) will hold a panel discussion on hepatitis B vaccination implementation and hepatitis B elimination on April 28 from 3:00–4:00 p.m. (ET). The recommendation for hepatitis B vaccination has changed from a risk-based recommendation to a universal recommendation for individuals age 19–59. This paradigm shift for hepatitis B vaccination offers a unique opportunity to advance the country’s goal of eliminating hepatitis B. The discussion aims to:

Improve awareness of the new routine recommendation and to engage partners of the Summit
Consider the challenges and opportunities to improve hepatitis B vaccine uptake
Generate exchange on promising practices for improving hepatitis B vaccine uptake

If you are interested in participating, please email lj.tan@immunize.org.

Pennsylvania Immunization Coalition and PA Chapter of the AAP host “PAIC and PAAAP Let’s Talk NIIW” webinar on April 29

The Pennsylvania Immunization Coalition (PAIC) and the PA Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (PAAAP) will host a webinar titled PAIC and PAAAP Let’s Talk NIIW in honor of National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), a yearly observance highlighting the importance of protecting children age two years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases. This year it is critical to ensure that families stay on track for children’s routine checkups and recommended vaccinations following disruptions from COVID-19. Join the PAAAP and PAIC for a Let’s Talk webinar series to review PA immunization data trends pre- and post-pandemic, and to get kids back on track with routine immunizations. The series features Swathi Gowtham, MD, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and PAAAP Immunization Champion.

The National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit will hold its annual flu meeting on May 19

The 2022 Influenza Vaccine meeting, What’s Up with Flu in ’22! Surveillance, Vaccines, Policy, and Communications Last Year and Next, will be held virtually on May 19, 2022, from 2:00–4:45 p.m. (ET). The agenda for this year’s meeting includes:

CDC presentations on influenza virus surveillance in 2021–22; influenza vaccine ACIP update; vaccine effectiveness, including data informing ACIP discussions regarding enhanced influenza vaccines; and vaccine coverage in 2021–22
Overview of influenza vaccines in development by Phyllis Arthur, BIO
Information on anticipated influenza vaccine supply for 2022–23 and manufacturers’ discussion on potential challenges for the upcoming year
CDC presentation on communications planning for 2022–23

Pre-meeting registration to attend is required by 5:00 p.m. (PT)/8:00 p.m. (ET) on May 18.

Other News, Educational Opportunities, and Events

NASTAD and the Hepatitis B Foundation cohost “Universal Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination Recommendations: Updates and Policy Impacts” webinar on April 25

The National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD) and the Hepatitis B Foundation will host a webinar titled Universal Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination Recommendations: Updates and Policy Impacts at 3:00 p.m. (ET) on April 25, in honor of National Adult Hepatitis B (HBV) Vaccination Awareness Day that falls on April 30. With the recent release of CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Universal Adult HBV Vaccination Recommendations, this webinar will highlight the importance of adult HBV vaccination as a national priority. The webinar will discuss opportunities and challenges and share models of successful adult HBV vaccination scale-up in high-priority settings in both clinical and community-based organizations.

NFID and AIM host “Communications during a Pandemic—from 1918 to Present Times” webinar on April 26

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) and Association of Immunization Managers (AIM) will host a webinar titled Communications during a Pandemic—from 1918 to Present Times at 12:00 p.m. (ET) on April 26. The webinar will be moderated by NFID Medical Director William Schaffner, MD. The discussion will feature Paul A. Offit, MD, director of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Vaccine Education Center, and Tim Stephens, author of One Day at a Time: Newspapers and the Great Influenza of 1918. The webinar will explore the similarities and differences between the influenza pandemic of 1918 and the current COVID-19 pandemic, including:

Role of the media in 1918 and today
Impact of war and partisanship
Social factors including the cost and availability of food, immigration, military conscription, and racial violence
Role of philanthropy and nonprofits and the responsibility of government
The Cutter incident regarding polio vaccines, and its impact on manufacturing and safety surveillance
Implications for future outbreaks and pandemic preparedness

Save the date! AIM’s “Leadership in Action Conference” to be held in person August 30–September 1, in Philadelphia, PA.

Mark your calendars! The Association of Immunization Managers (AIM) “Leadership in Action Conference” will be held August 30–September 1 in Philadelphia, PA. More information, including registration information to come.

Resources

National Infant Immunization Week is April 24–30; prepare using CDC’s 2022 digital media toolkit

National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), April 24–May 30, highlights the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and celebrates the achievements of immunization partners. This year, it’s particularly critical to ensure that families stay on track for routine checkups and recommended vaccinations following disruptions from COVID-19.

A CDC report released in May 2020 found a troubling drop in routine childhood vaccination as a result of families missing many in-person clinical visits during the pandemic. Too many children are still not fully up to date with recommended vaccinations nearly two years later.

Save time by using CDC’s 2022 NIIW Digital Media Toolkit for your organization’s NIIW activities. The toolkit includes updated logos, sample social media content, social graphics, and key messages. Please share them, using the hashtags #NIIW and #ivax2protect.

Related Links

CDC: National Infant Immunization Week main page
CDC: 2022 NIIW Digital Media Toolkit main page
Immunize.org: Parent Handouts main page

AAP releases new videos in education series addressing parents’ questions about childhood vaccines

On March 15, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released new videos in its Childhood and Adolescent Vaccine Education Series. In this series, pediatricians address the most common questions parents ask about their children’s vaccinations and offer tips on finding correct information online.

These new videos are the product of a YouTube partnership with the AAP, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Vaccine Education Center, and the American College of Physicians.

Related Links

AAP YouTube Channel
AAP YouTube: Childhood and Adolescent Vaccine Education Series
YouTube News and Events: Doctors Bring Their Expertise on Vaccines to YouTube (10/13/21)
Immunize.org: Talking about Vaccines main page
Immunize.org: Vaccine Information You Need website

Hep B United releases social media toolkit in preparation for National Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination Awareness Day on April 30

Hep B United is a national coalition established by the Hepatitis B Foundation and the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO), to address and eliminate hepatitis B, a serious liver infection that is the leading cause of liver cancer. An estimated 2 million people in the United States are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus.

During the month of April, please share posts and graphics from Hep B United’s National Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination Awareness 2022 Social Media Toolkit on your social media accounts to increase awareness of hepatitis B disease and vaccination.

Unity Consortium resources developed for the inaugural Adolescent Immunization Action Week, April 4 through 8, 2022, are available online to help you get adolescents up to date on missed vaccinations

Adolescent Immunization Action Week (AIAW) was launched this year by Unity Consortium to urge healthcare providers and parents to be sure adolescents receive all recommended immunizations. This first annual observance was held April 4–8. You can now use the resources they developed to further your advocacy:

View the archived webinar featuring Dr. Chelsea Clinton as the moderator in a discussion featuring parents’ perspectives on the challenges of prioritizing adolescent health and immunizations
View a video PSA that aired nationwide on Comcast channels and via PatientPoint® on monitors in physician waiting rooms and exam rooms
Materials in the AIAW parent and HCP toolkits can be adapted for use throughout the spring. View the toolkits (password: unity).

Coalitions in the News

These recent articles feature coalition activities and other stories of interest to coalitions

Bakersfield.com: The ¡Ándale! ¿Qué Esperas? Campaign Partners with Grupo Chespirito to Bring El Chavo Animado (4/5/22)
Hep B United: Many More U.S. Adults to Get Vaccinated against Hepatitis B Following Move by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)(4/1/22)
CNN: Biden Administration to Offer COVID-19 Vaccines to Migrants (3/28/22)
OurayNews: County to Offer More Vaccine Perks (3/23/22)
WTHR: IPS Hosting Free Vaccine Clinic to Get Hoosier Students Back on Track (3/16/22)
PR Newswire: Public Health Partners Assert Importance of COVID-19 Vaccines in Pandemic Fight (3/15/22)

Announcements

Visit the National Network of Immunization Coalitions calendar of events for immunization coalitions!

The National Network of Immunization Coalitions maintains a Calendar of Events on its website, immunizationcoalitions.org. This is an easy way to find out about upcoming national, regional, state, and local conferences, workshops, and virtual educational opportunities.

If you have a vaccination-related event that you would like your colleagues to know about via this Calendar of Events, email info@immunizationcoalitions.org.

Stay up to date by subscribing to IZ Express, encourage your coalition’s members to subscribe to Immunize.org’s IZ Coalitions Network News, and please make sure your coalition’s information is up to date on immunizationcoalitions.org, the website of the National Network of Immunization Coalitions

Be sure you’re subscribed to IZ Express!
IZ Express is the free weekly e-newsletter produced by Immunize.org. IZ Express keeps you informed about new and updated vaccine recommendations from CDC and new vaccine licensures by the FDA. You’ll read about newly posted Vaccine Information Statements and their translations, and new immunization education materials from Immunize.org, CDC, AAP, and others. It also provides updates on online and in-person educational opportunities, many offering free continuing education credit. To subscribe, simply provide your name and email address at www.immunize.org/subscribe. We will never share your contact information.

Urge your coalition members to sign up for IZ Coalitions Network News!
IZ Coalitions Network News is a monthly e-newsletter for the National Network of Immunization Coalitions that features news of interest to immunization coalitions and nonprofit organizations, including advocacy opportunities, legislative efforts, immunization resources, educational offerings, and local, state, and national conference information. IZ Coalitions Network News is available to coalition members and nonprofit staff, and all people who work with immunization coalitions. To subscribe, send a request to info@immunizationcoalitions.org asking to be included. The National Network of Immunization Coalitions is a project of Immunize.org.

Make sure your coalition is listed and your information is up to date on immunizationcoalitions.org
The National Network of Immunization Coalitions website at www.immunizationcoalitions.org is a place to learn about immunization coalitions and nonprofit organizations, their locations, missions, activities, newsletters, and how to engage with them. The website promotes the activities of immunization coalitions and nonprofits, offers resources of importance to the network, and provides a searchable online database of local, state, regional, and national immunization coalitions. Interested supporters of immunization can find contacts, resources, ideas, and volunteer opportunities. There are now 140 immunization coalitions and nonprofits listed on this website; view their pages here. If your coalition is not listed, or your information needs to be updated, please email info@immunizationcoalitions.org.

New coalitions and nonprofits are encouraged to include their information on the National Network of Immunization Coalitions website. Updated information can be added at any time by emailing info@immunizationcoalitions.org.