Network News — December 18, 2025

Coalition News, Top Stories, and Events

Other News, Educational Opportunities, and Events

Resources

In the News

Announcements

Coalition News, Top Stories, and Events

The National Network of Immunization Coalitions highlights Families Fighting Flu

Families Fighting Flu (FFF) works to elevate the impact of influenza by sharing powerful personal stories from families across the country. Through these stories, FFF aims to raise awareness about the seriousness of flu, prevent hospitalizations and deaths, increase vaccination rates for everyone age 6 months and older, and encourage people with symptoms to get tested and receive timely treatment.

For more than 20 years, FFF has been a driving force in shaping flu vaccination recommendations. Its family stories played a critical role in shaping the recommendations in 2006 and 2008, and ultimately in 2010, when the universal recommendation for annual flu vaccination for everyone age 6 months and older was adopted. Today, FFF continues to share these stories through strategic collaborations and tailored partnerships. By adapting its messaging to each audience’s needs, FFF ensures its narratives are both relevant and impactful.

During National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) in early December, FFF elevated flu prevention messages and highlighted family stories through a collection of materials available on its National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) Resources web page. While the traditional NIVW has concluded, FFF is extending the effort into “NIVW Weeks” throughout December to keep attention on the seriousness of flu and to remind everyone of the importance of getting vaccinated before the holiday season.

Visit FFF’s National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) Resources web page to access the resources.

Families Fighting Flu’s ongoing Kaden Blaze Campaign, spotlights the story of Kaden Stevenson, better known as “Kaden Blaze,” an active, healthy 7-year-old who lost both of his legs due to severe flu complications. At the heart of the campaign is the Kaden Blaze Fights Flu Bug comic book, which shares his true story in a kid-friendly, empowering format. Recent campaign activities include:

  • December 2: FFF hosted a special book-signing event in partnership with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital—Kaden’s first time returning since completing his rehabilitation. He reunited with the staff who supported his recovery, encouraged current patients, and signed copies of his comic book. Good Morning America covered his emotional visit.
  • December 2: FFF also organized a Flu Clinic and Comic Book Signing at the Mary Free Bed YMCA in Grand Rapids, MI. Flu vaccinations were provided by one of FFF’s founding families, Alana Yaksich, with Alana’s Foundation.
  • December 9: FFF joined the National Hispanic Medical Association for a press conference to launch the Spanish-language edition of the Kaden Blaze Fights Flu Bug comic book

View the Kaden Blaze Resources.

Each year, Families Fighting Flu hosts its Rock Out the Flu Biannual Fundraising Event to raise awareness about the importance of flu vaccination. The event unites families, community members, and healthcare professionals to support FFF’s efforts to educate the public and advocate for flu prevention. This year’s event will take place on April 11, 2026, in Falls Church, VA.

FFF stays closely connected to the community through its network of individual advocates, trusted partners, and grassroots initiatives. Staff members and family advocates regularly participate in events nationwide, sharing their personal flu experiences to inspire and educate others. Many also take part in Hill Days and other advocacy efforts, ensuring that family stories remain at the forefront of flu-prevention conversations.

Visit www.familiesfightingflu.org for more.

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Immunize Kansas Coalition releases 10th anniversary video highlighting its achievements!

Immunize Kansas Coalition (IKC) is celebrating 10 years of working to protect Kansans from vaccine-preventable diseases. IKC has made significant progress in strengthening community outreach, expanding educational resources, and reaching people not only across Kansas but throughout the country. IKC also extends its gratitude to peer coalitions and national partners whose guidance, collaboration, and mentorship have played a vital role in shaping its success.

To highlight these accomplishments, IKC created a short video featuring reflections from the coalition’s founding members and past board chairs, along with key milestones that signaled shifts in IKC’s priorities and strategic direction. The video showcases the coalition’s growth through conferences, Advocacy Days at the Capitol, community outreach, and in-person efforts. It also highlights the expansion of IKC’s digital assets, including its nationally recognized booklet, Vaccine Fears Overturned by Facts, nine education modules, and social media toolkits.

IKC’s achievements over the past decade would not have been possible without the dedication of its coalition members and partners at both the local and national levels. As IKC looks ahead, the need to stand united and continue working together to protect communities from vaccine-preventable diseases remains more important than ever.

View IKC’s 10-year anniversary video.

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The DC Vaccine Alliance and DC Health invite Washington, DC residents to complete their HPV Vaccine Community Survey by January 30

The DC HPV Alliance is inviting Washington, DC, residents to complete a voluntary HPV Vaccine Survey Rapid Community Assessment aimed at strengthening health education and outreach efforts in the region. The survey is anonymous and confidential, and it takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete. Participants must be at least 18 years old.

Take the survey.

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Today! Hybrid: Immunization Coalition of Delaware hosts 2025 Immunization Summit, "Navigating Vaccine Recommendations in the Current Political Climate,” in Dover, DE on December 18 from 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (ET). CE credit offered for a fee.

The Immunization Coalition of Delaware will host its 2025 Immunization Summit, Navigating Vaccine Recommendations in the Current Political Climate, 11:30–4:30 p.m. (ET) on December 18 in Dover, Delaware, with the option to tune in virtually. Topics include vaccines for vector-borne diseases, developing the Vaccine Integrity Project, HIV vaccines, and federally subsidized vaccines.

CME credit is available.

Register for the summit.

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Register now! Hybrid: WithinReach and Washington State Department of Health host 2026 Washington State Immunization Summit in Tacoma, WA on March 19; fee for tickets.

WithinReach, in collaboration with the Washington State Department of Health, will host its 2026 Washington State Immunization Summit on March 19 in person and virtually. This full-day event will bring together public health professionals, healthcare providers, community leaders, and advocates to advance immunization efforts across Washington State. The event will equip attendees with tools, strategies, and insights to promote equitable vaccination practices, celebrate the achievements and ongoing efforts of Washington’s immunization community, share lessons learned from recent public health initiatives and campaigns, and explore emerging trends and best practices in immunization across diverse populations.

Learn more about the event, including ticket prices, how to sponsor, exhibition information, and more.

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Save the Date! In-Person: California Immunization Coalition hosts 2026 California Immunization Coalition Summit from June 3–4 in Sacramento, CA.

The California Immunization Coalition will hold its 2026 California Immunization Coalition Summit June 3–4 in Sacramento, California. This year’s event will feature insightful discussions, shared learning, and opportunities to build trust, strengthen expertise, and foster unity across the immunization community. Attendees will gain deeper insights into vaccine confidence, explore effective strategies and statewide resources, and receive key updates on California’s immunization programs and initiatives.

Website and registration to come!

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Other News, Educational Opportunities, and Events

Immunize​.org summarizes ACIP’s December 4–5 meeting changing recommendations on use of hepatitis B vaccine in infants born to HBsAg-negative mothers

CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met on December 4–5 to consider changes to recommendations on hepatitis B vaccination (HepB), as well as to discuss the recommended child/adolescent immunization schedule and vaccine adjuvants.

A full meeting summary is available in the December 10 edition of Immunize​.org’s IZ Express.

Following the meeting, several professional organizations representing healthcare providers and public health professionals issued statements responding to ACIP’s discussions and votes. These statements are also included in the December 10 edition of Immunize​.org’s IZ Express.

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Register for Immunize​.org Website Office Hours. Join a 30-minute discussion about its Vaccines A–Z content on January 7 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or January 8 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). Recorded sessions archived.

To learn simple tips and tricks for using Immunize​.org’s websites efficiently, please register for its next set of Website Office Hours on Wednesday, January 7, at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or Thursday, January 8, at 12:00 p.m. (ET). The same content will be covered in both sessions.

Immunize​.org will open each 30-minute session with a short, live demonstration on navigating its popular Vaccines A–Z website section. You can submit questions when you register or live on Zoom during the session.

Register today for Immunize​.org Website Office Hours (content is the same for both):

The archive of previous Website Office Hours content is posted at Immunize​.org’s “Webinars & Videos” page.

Mark your calendar for future Immunize​.org Website Office Hours.

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Virtual: CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center hosts film premiere of Forgetting to Remember:  Lessons from a Vaccine Lost and panel discussion on January 13 at 1:00 p.m. (ET)

The Vaccine Education Center (VEC) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) will host a free film premiere of Forgetting to Remember: Lessons from a Vaccine followed by a panel discussion at 1:00 p.m. (ET) on January 13.

This new short film, created in partnership with Medical History Pictures, uses the abandonment of the U.S. military’s adenovirus vaccine program as a powerful cautionary tale, illustrating how easy it can be to lose a lifesaving vaccine and the devastating consequences that follow. The lessons of the adenovirus vaccine resonate strongly, as the United States faces its highest number of measles cases since elimination was achieved in 2000.

Adenovirus infections can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in adults newly congregated in high-density settings, such as military basic training centers. Before availability of adenovirus vaccine tablets in the 1970s, ARDS hospitalized many healthy American basic trainees and was fatal in severe cases.

The panel discussion will explore the film’s themes and application of lessons learned in the current context. The discussion will be moderated by Maiken Scott, host and executive producer of WHYY’s The Pulse. Panelists include Joel Gaydos, MD, MPH, retired U.S. Army physician; Caitlin Rivers, PhD, epidemiologist and author of Crisis Averted; Katherine Wells, DrPH, MPH, director of public health in Lubbock, TX; Paul Offit, MD, Director of CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center; and Donald Rayne Mitchell, the film’s director.

Register for the event.

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Resources

AAP releases new Fact Checked resources to address common vaccine misconceptions with facts and supporting evidence

AAP released two new resources in its Fact Checked series to help address common vaccine misconceptions:

Each resource in the series includes key facts, an evidence snapshot, background on why this topic matters, and quotes from experts.

Additional vaccination topics covered in the Fact Checked series include:

  • Receiving Multiple Vaccines Does Not Overwhelm a Child’s Immune System
  • Aluminum in Vaccines Strengthen Immune Responses, Do Not Cause Autism, Serious Health Issues
  • Acetaminophen Is Safe for Children When Taken as Directed, No Link to Autism
  • Vaccines: Safe and Effective, No Link to Autism
  • Children’s Health, Not Financial Incentives, Guides Pediatricians’ Immunization Recommendations
  • Extensive Research Shows Thimerosal Is Safe
  • Hepatitis B Vaccine Given to Newborns Reduces Risk of Chronic Infection
  • There Is No Link Between Vaccines and Sudden Infant Death
  • Vaccines Do Not Contain Fetal Cells, Thimerosal
  • Childhood Vaccines Are Carefully Studied—Including with Placebos—to Ensure They’re Safe and Effective
  • DTaP Vaccine Stops Spread of Whooping Cough
  • Vitamin A Does Not Prevent Measles
  • Immunizations Are Essential for Public Health and Child Safety
  • Budesonide and Clarithromycin: Unproven and Risky
  • The Measles Vaccine Is Safe and Effective
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Help Immunize​.org reach more vaccinators through your social media networks. Follow us and share our posts on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!

Immunize​.org offers a social media program to highlight our educational resources for a widespread audience of vaccinators. Our social media channels now feature our most popular printable resources and Ask the Experts questions, as well as announcements important to frontline vaccinators. Please view and share our newest feature, the Ask the Experts Video Series.

 

Like, follow, and share Immunize​.org’s social media accounts and encourage colleagues and others interested in vaccination to do likewise:

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Voices for Vaccines shares social media toolkit for respiratory season and shares app to gain skills and facts to advocate for public health and vaccination

Voices for Vaccines (VFV) created a social media toolkit for the respiratory season, featuring graphics on influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines formatted for Instagram and Facebook.

View the graphics.

Voices for Vaccines also offers a free app that provides trustworthy, science-based information that can help users navigate difficult vaccine questions, debunk myths, and support confidence in vaccination. The app offers graphics and tools to help facilitate effective conversations. The app also helps users connect with local coalitions. If you want to more effectively advocate for vaccination, this app can be downloaded at no cost from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

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Vaccinate Your Family shares holiday update to respiratory season toolkit and offers flu mini courses

Vaccinate Your Family’s (VYF) Respiratory Season toolkit now includes updated graphics featuring holiday imagery and the key message that “it’s not too late” to get a flu vaccine. Spanish-language versions are coming soon. You can access the graphics, email Dana Howe at dana@vaccinateyourfamily.org to request the files.

VYF is also offering its 30-minute mini-course Protecting Our Communities from the Flu which provides a clear overview of influenza and how to stay protected. The course explains how flu spreads, who is at highest risk, why some communities are disproportionately affected, and dispels common myths about flu vaccines.

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CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center’s vaccine dictionary has doubled in entries! Please consider linking to the dictionary on your site and sharing with your colleagues.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s (CHOP) Vaccine Education Center has significantly expanded its public-facing vaccine dictionary resource. This resource offers clear, concise definitions of key vaccine-related terms and acronyms, with links to additional information for those who want to explore topics further.

Check out the latest additions and consider linking to the dictionary, so that your colleagues and others you work with have a place to quickly find definitions, acronyms, and sources for more information.

If there is a term that should be added, please contact Parents PACK.

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Hepatitis B Foundation updates media toolkit to explain the importance of the HepB birth dose

Hepatitis B Foundation updated its media toolkit to emphasize the pivotal importance of the HepB birth dose for newborns. This resource includes fact sheets, ready-to-use social media messages, and other materials to help share accurate information about protecting infants from hepatitis B infection.

View the toolkit.

Related Links

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Explore the www.Give2MenACWY​.org website to increase coverage for the MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations

Immunize​.org’s www.Give2MenACWY.org website promotes the importance of adolescent vaccination, including the recommended MenACWY vaccine booster dose at age 16. Many teens are behind on vaccines, so vaccine outreach is more important than ever.

If you are looking for tools to explain meningococcal vaccine recommendations and assist in improving adolescent coverage for all recommended vaccines, view this site. Check out the many helpful tools from Immunize.org, CDC, and other organizations.

The website is divided into five easy-to-access sections:

The site also categorizes materials according to whether they are primarily of interest to providers, to adolescents, or to parents.

Visit Give2MenACWY.org and enjoy browsing (and deploying) its bountiful resources.

Related Links

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The International Vaccine Access Center at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimates the cost of measles outbreaks

In 2023, the United States recorded its highest number of measles cases since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. New research from the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC) at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health outlines the escalating costs associated with responding to measles outbreaks, offering updated data to better inform preparedness and planning efforts.

Read the review.

IVAC also released its November State-Level Immunization Monitoring Briefs for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. These briefs are designed to support policy discussions with lawmakers and present clear, state-specific data on how well children are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Related Links

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Clinical Care Options offers free infant RSV prevention educational activities and webcasts

Clinical Care Options released a new educational program to help you improve your knowledge of RSV prevention in infants. The resources include downloadable slides, on-demand webcasts, and answers to frequently asked questions from a satellite symposium at the American Academy of Pediatrics fall 2025 conference. Experts in pediatrics and neonatology are featured, including Immunize​.org’s director for research, Sharon G. Humiston, MD, MPH.

This free activity is supported through an independent educational grant from Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.

Learn more about the program.

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American Lung Association shares immunization resources for those living with lung disease

The American Lung Association offers a range of resources to raise awareness and promote strategies that help prevent severe respiratory illness, which is especially critical during respiratory virus season. Recommended vaccinations are particularly important for people with chronic lung disease or lung cancer, due to having a higher risk of serious complications from respiratory infections. The American Lung Association provides numerous educational tools to support individuals living with lung disease, including:

New! Vaccination Education Resources:

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National Minority Quality Forum offers flu training hub for pharmacists and shares two recent webinars

The National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) is offering its Community Pharmacist Ambassador Flu Training Hub featuring updated 2025 flu education modules. These modules provide the latest information on influenza and flu vaccines, address common community questions and concerns, and highlight strategies to better support patients of color and other underserved populations.

NMQF also highlights two of its recent webinars:

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The Trusted Messenger Program from the Public Good Projects offers "Maximizing Trust and Reducing Resistance,” the first module in its Trusted Messenger Program Training Series; CME credit offered

The Trusted Messenger Program created by Public Good Projects released its first module, “Maximizing Trust and Reducing Resistance.” The 1-hour module explores an evidence-based approach to address patient resistance and navigate difficult conversations. It also reviews common missteps healthcare providers may make when giving recommendations and provides tools to increase trust through good communication.

Stop and start the module at your own pace. CME credit is offered.

Sign up for the module to get started. More modules will follow.

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In the News

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Announcements

Announcements from the National Network of Immunization Coalitions

The National Network of Immunization Coalitions reminds you of the important ways every coalition can plug into the power of our network:

  • Bookmark National Network of Immunization Coalitions’ Calendar of Events on its website, immunizationcoalitions.org, to learn about upcoming national, regional, state, and local conferences; workshops; and virtual educational opportunities.
  • Subscribe to IZ Express, the free weekly e-newsletter produced by Immunize.org, for immunization-related news, new and updated recommendations, educational materials, and educational opportunities.
  • Please visit the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit (NAIIS, the “Summit”) at www.izsummitpartners.org to check out the latest resources on operationalizing, and payment for, adult and influenza vaccines. If you are not a Summit partner, please sign on at: www.izsummitpartners.org/join-the-summit.
  • Urge your coalition members to sign up for IZ Coalitions Network News, the monthly e-newsletter for the National Network of Immunization Coalitions that features news of interest to immunization coalitions and nonprofit organizations. To subscribe, send a request to info@immunizationcoalitions.org and ask to be included.
  • Be sure that your coalition is listed and information is up to date on the National Network of Immunization Coalitions website. To add your coalition or make updates, please email info@immunizationcoalitions.org.
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