Network News — February 19, 2026
Coalition News, Top Stories, and Events
- The National Network of Immunization Coalitions highlights The Immunization Partnership
- Immunize Colorado introduces bill to protect access to vaccines in Colorado
- Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families shares recent media coverage and social media messaging
- Virtual: The Immunization Partnership hosts webinar titled “Federal Policy Shifts and State-Level Implications: What to Know and Prepare For” on February 27 at 11:00 a.m. (ET)
- Virtual: Immunize Colorado shares webinar titled “Narrative Reminder Recall: A Randomized Trial of Community Storytelling to Improve Pediatric Influenza Vaccination Equity at Denver Health” on March 12 at 2:00 p.m. (ET)
- Hybrid: WithinReach and Washington State Department of Health host 2026 Washington State Immunization Summit in Tacoma, WA, on March 19; fee for tickets
- In-person: The Massachusetts Adult Immunization Coalition hosts the 31st annual Massachusetts Adult Immunization Conference in Worcester, MA on March 26; fee for tickets
Other News, Educational Opportunities, and Events
- "Public health is science with a moral compass": remembering William H. Foege, MD, CDC director and leader in smallpox eradication
- "Vaccination is love in action": remembering Alan R. Hinman, MD, MPH, and a life dedicated to public health and vaccinology
- February is Black History Month; Immunize.org celebrates the contributions of Black Americans in vaccinology
- American Academy of Pediatrics releases its 2026 Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, endorsed by 12 other medical, nursing, and pharmacy organizations
- KFF releases new poll on the public’s trust and confidence in CDC and vaccines
- Virtual: North Dakota State University Center for Immunization Research and Education hosts webinar titled “Supporting Vaccine Decisions Through Shared Clinical Decision-Making” on February 24 at 1:00 p.m. (ET)
- Virtual: February 25–27 ACIP meeting anticipated
- Hybrid: Louisiana Families for Vaccines hosts HPV Awareness Summit on February 21 at 12:00 p.m. (ET) in Monroe, LA
- Virtual: Voices for Vaccines shares Vaccine Advocate Training “Storytelling for Social Change: Shaping the Vaccine Narrative” on February 25 at 4:00 p.m. (ET)
- Virtual: Unity Consortium hosts communications briefing about Adolescent Immunization Action Week 2026 on February 26 at 12:30 p.m. (ET)
- Register for Immunize.org Website Office Hours. Join a 30-minute discussion about our Ask the Experts web content on March 4 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or March 5 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). Recorded sessions archived.
- Virtual: CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center hosts Current Issues in Vaccines series webinar “Shared Clinical Decision-Making: What Does It Mean? Influenza, COVID-19 and Rotavirus Vaccination” on March 11 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). CME credit offered.
- In-Person: 18th Annual Stews Shootout and Golf Ball Drop benefiting Immunize.org on March 28 in Indio, CA
- In-Person: Register for the 2026 National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit meeting on May 19–21 in Atlanta (open to NAIIS members only)
Editable Resources
Resources
- CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center offers recording of film, Forgetting to Remember: Lessons from a Vaccine Lost and season two of VEC Vaccine Notes
- Association of Immunization Managers shares several resources
- Public Health Communications Collaborative offers shareable graphics on changes to the recommended childhood immunization schedule and course for public health communicators
In the News
Announcements
Coalition News, Top Stories, and Events
The National Network of Immunization Coalitions highlights The Immunization Partnership
The Immunization Partnership (TIP), a Texas-based coalition, advocates for disease prevention through an impactful network of vaccine champions that promote education and evidence-based public policy on the health benefits of childhood and adult vaccinations.
This year, TIP is focusing on engaging communities and deepening connections through face-to-face meetings at health fairs, school events, and public forums. The pandemic highlighted the importance of moving beyond screens and engaging in meaningful, in-person conversations. It’s difficult, especially in a large state, but the coalition believes it’s necessary to rebuild trust. This spring, TIP is hosting town hall meetings in six cities to listen to community members and better understand the successes and challenges of maintaining high immunization rates.
TIP has several initiatives planned for the year ahead. Building on last year’s successful “Coffee and Conversation” series with seniors, focusing on health, prevention, and vaccines, TIP plans to expand the program to additional communities across Houston. The coalition is also preparing to launch a new initiative to educate teen moms about HPV prevention. In addition, TIP is rolling out its “Ask. Learn. Protect.” campaign, addressing recent changes to immunization recommendations and schedule, and empowering parents to make informed decisions by asking questions and learning from trusted sources to protect their family through timely immunizations.
The Immunization Partnership will host a webinar titled Federal Policy Shifts and State-Level Implications: What to Know and Prepare For at 11:00 a.m. (ET) on February 27. During the webinar, speakers will discuss how federal changes could impact state vaccine policies and what policy advocates need to do to prepare. The network of coalition members is welcome to join. Additionally, TIP hosts webinars and podcasts with The Baker Institute for Public Policy, which are available on the Baker Briefing web page.
Every other year, TIP cohosts a policy forum with The Baker Institute for Public Policy leading into the next legislative session. And every year, TIP hosts an annual luncheon in the fall to celebrate vaccines and recognize supporters, advocates, and new friends of TIP. The coalition will be starting its advocacy bootcamp series to retrain seasoned advocates and introduce new advocates to citizen engagement in preparation for the next legislative session.
TIP has spent nearly 20 years focused on state-level policy and has helped pass two dozen pro-vaccine laws in Texas. The coalition stays in regular contact with lawmakers, in a year-round effort during both legislative and interim years, to help them understand the issues. When the legislature is not in session, TIP uses the time to build its capacity by training and supporting advocates in effective citizen engagement. TIP also organizes visits to legislators’ district offices, which serve as informal advocacy days. TIP’s next full advocacy day is planned for 2027.
Learn more about The Immunization Partnership at www.immunizeusa.org, and please follow and engage with TIP on social media at:
The Immunization Partnership is proud to stand with the coalition partners and friends, fighting for good health for everyone in our communities, near and far!
Back to TopImmunize Colorado introduces bill to protect access to vaccines in Colorado
On January 26, Immunize Colorado introduced Senate Bill 26-032: Concerning the Promotion of Immunization Access, a bill to modernize Colorado law; protect access to vaccines; strengthen Colorado’s immunization workforce; and ensure consistent, evidence-based guidance across care settings. The bill’s three main provisions are outlined in a 2-page fact sheet. Immunize Colorado and its partners have been working closely with legislators to develop the bill’s concepts and support it as it moves through the legislature.
The bill passed its Senate committee on a 6-3 vote and is headed for a full Senate vote before it goes to the House.
Back to TopOklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families shares recent media coverage and social media messaging
The Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families would like to share some recent media coverage with Steven Crawford, MD, including:
- Tulsa Public Radio: What Oklahomans Need to Know About CDC Changes to Childhood Vaccine Recommendations (1/12/26)
- The Journal Record: Oklahoma Lawmaker Proposes Blood Bank for Vaccine-Free Blood (1/22/26)
Additionally, the coalition would like to share social media messaging from Veer Vedala, MD, FAAP, including:
Back to TopVirtual: The Immunization Partnership hosts webinar titled “Federal Policy Shifts and State-Level Implications: What to Know and Prepare For” on February 27 at 11:00 a.m. (ET)
The Immunization Partnership (TIP) will host a webinar titled Federal Policy Shifts and State-Level Implications: What to Know and Prepare For at 11:00 a.m. (ET) on February 27. During the webinar, speakers will discuss how federal changes could impact state vaccine policies and what policy advocates need to do to prepare.
Back to TopVirtual: Immunize Colorado shares webinar titled “Narrative Reminder Recall: A Randomized Trial of Community Storytelling to Improve Pediatric Influenza Vaccination Equity at Denver Health” on March 12 at 2:00 p.m. (ET)
Immunize Colorado will host a webinar titled Narrative Reminder Recall: A Randomized Trial of Community Storytelling to Improve Pediatric Influenza Vaccination Equity at Denver Health at 2:00 p.m. (ET) on March 12. During the webinar, Joshua Williams, MD, will discuss recent work to improve pediatric flu vaccination equity in Denver. Topics include:
- Pediatric influenza morbidity and disparities
- A description of the co-creation of an equity-oriented text message digital storytelling intervention
- A report on the findings from a randomized clinical trial of the intervention with 200 children and their caregivers during the 2024–25 influenza season
- Contextualization of findings in the immunization delivery literature and with consideration for future adaptation/implementation at Denver Health
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.
Back to TopIn-person: The Massachusetts Adult Immunization Coalition hosts the 31st annual Massachusetts Adult Immunization Conference in Worcester, MA on March 26; fee for tickets
The Massachusetts Adult Immunization Coalition (MAIC) is having its annual in-person Massachusetts Adult Immunization Conference on March 26 in Worcester, Massachusetts. The overall goal of the conference is to educate Massachusetts healthcare professionals on current and best practices for adult immunization. The MAIC conference offers an opportunity to receive the most updated information on routine adult immunization from leading experts in the field and network with immunization experts and colleagues.
View the conference web page for more details, including ticket prices, how to sponsor, exhibition information, and more.
Back to TopOther News, Educational Opportunities, and Events
"Public health is science with a moral compass": remembering William H. Foege, MD, CDC director and leader in smallpox eradication
William “Bill” H. Foege, MD, MPH, whose work in public health transformed the global response to infectious diseases, died on January 24, at age 89. Best known for his role in eradicating smallpox, which killed 300 million people in the 20th century alone, Dr. Foege helped lead one of the greatest scientific and public health achievements in history. While working as a CDC epidemiologist in West Africa during the 1960s, he pioneered the strategy of “ring vaccination,” vaccinating everyone within a ring around the infected person. This approach became the foundation of the WHO’s global smallpox eradication campaign in 1966, leading to the eradication of smallpox declared in May 1980.
Dr. Foege served as CDC director from 1977 to 1983, strengthening immunization programs and advancing the agency’s role in global health. Throughout his career, he championed vaccines as one of the most powerful tools in medicine, helped expand childhood immunization efforts worldwide, and shaped outbreak response strategies still used today. A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Dr. Foege also helped establish the Task Force for Global Health and served in leadership roles at the Carter Center and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. His scientific insight, vision, and belief in the lifesaving power of vaccines will continue to protect generations to come.
For more about Dr. Foege’s remarkable life, please see his obituary in the New York Times: William H. Foege, Key Figure in the Eradication of Smallpox, Dies at 89.
Back to Top"Vaccination is love in action": remembering Alan R. Hinman, MD, MPH, and a life dedicated to public health and vaccinology
Alan R. Hinman, MD, MPH, spent more than six decades strengthening immunization programs and advancing the prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States and globally. After training with CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service, his senior leadership roles at the CDC included serving as director of the Immunization Division (1977–1988). Dr. Hinman rose to the rank of assistant surgeon general. His work helped shape national immunization policy, expand school vaccination requirements, establish and improve the essential functions of immunization information systems (i.e., immunization registries), and support progress toward measles elimination and polio eradication.
Following government service, Dr. Hinman worked with The Task Force for Global Health, served on the board of Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, and chaired a WHO advisory committee. He authored or coauthored more than 400 publications, and mentored future public health leaders as an adjunct professor of global health and epidemiology at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. He was also a founder of Voices for Vaccines, a program of The Task Force for Global Health and our partner in sharing accurate vaccination information with families.
Dr. Hinman passed away at age 88 on January 26. He was a great friend to many of us across the public health and immunization community. His family noted in his obituary, “Alan would be the first to remind us that public health is, at heart, an act of love: for neighbors you know, and neighbors you will never meet. If you’re looking for a way to honor him, consider doing something wonderfully Alan-ish: tell the truth clearly, show up consistently, share a good meal with smart people, and yes keep your vaccinations up to date. He spent a lifetime making sure the world had a fighting chance.”
He will be missed.
Back to TopFebruary is Black History Month; Immunize.org celebrates the contributions of Black Americans in vaccinology
February is Black History Month. Immunize.org recognizes the contributions of Black Americans to vaccinology throughout history. Here are a few:
- Onesimus, an enslaved man, introduced the idea of smallpox variolation in the United States in the 1700s
- Louis Tompkins Wright, the first Black surgeon on staff at Harlem Hospital in New York City, developed a new way to give the smallpox vaccine in the 1920s and 1930s
- Loney Clinton Gordon was one of three women to develop the pertussis vaccine in the 1940s
- Henrietta Lacks’ cancer cells from the 1950s contributed to development of the first polio vaccine, HPV vaccine, and COVID-19 vaccine
- Mae C. Jemison, the first Black woman astronaut, worked in vaccine research at CDC in the 1980s and 1990s
- Kizzmekia S. Corbett-Helaire, while a viral immunologist at NIH in 2020, played a key role in developing the Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccine
Lower vaccination rates among Black Americans contribute to poorer health outcomes. Immunize.org encourages everyone to do their part to close the gaps in vaccination awareness, access, affordability, and coverage to ensure that everyone benefits from vaccination.
Back to TopAmerican Academy of Pediatrics releases its 2026 Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, endorsed by 12 other medical, nursing, and pharmacy organizations
On January 26, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released its 2026 Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. The new AAP guidance continues to recommend routine vaccination against 18 vaccine-preventable diseases, largely unchanged from the original 2025 CDC schedule published in November 2024. In May 2025, AAP stopped endorsing the modified 2025 CDC schedule after CDC made changes to the COVID-19 vaccination recommendation. The CDC’s 2026 schedule narrowed the number of vaccines recommended routinely for children, moving COVID-19, HepA, HepB, influenza, MenACWY, and rotavirus vaccines into shared clinical decision-making or risk-based categories. Three other differences are notable:
- MMR and Varicella: AAP continues to support the option to use combination MMRV vaccine (ProQuad, Merck) for a child’s first dose of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella antigen. In June 2025, CDC began to recommend only giving MMR vaccine plus monovalent varicella vaccine at separate injection sites to children younger than age 5 years.
- HPV: AAP continues the long-standing recommendation for two doses of HPV vaccine routinely given at age 9–12 years, while the 2026 CDC schedule recommends one dose at 11–12 years routinely.
- COVID-19: In August 2025, AAP updated its COVID-19 guidance, recommending that all young children age 6–23 months be vaccinated routinely, along with older children in certain risk groups. The 2026 CDC schedule groups COVID-19 vaccine under shared clinical decision-making for all children age 6 months or older.
All immunizations recommended on the AAP schedule are also listed on the CDC schedule, although the classification of the recommendations may differ. HHS has publicly stated that all immunizations recommended by the CDC as of December 31, 2025, before CDC issued the modified 2026 schedule, will continue to be covered by Affordable Care Act insurance plans and federal insurance programs, including Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the VFC program. Families will not have to purchase them out of pocket.
The 2026 AAP immunization schedule was endorsed by 12 medical, nursing, and pharmacy organizations representing more than 1 million healthcare professionals, including:
- American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
- American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM)
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
- American Medical Association (AMA)
- American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
- Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS)
- Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)
- National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP)
- National Medical Association (NMA)
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS)
- Pediatric Pharmacy Association (PPA)
- Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM)
View the schedule.
Related Links
- AAP: 2026 Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule (PDF)
- AAP news release: American Academy of Pediatrics Issues Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for 2026 (1/26/26)
- AAP: 12 Medical Groups Representing 1 Million Health Care Professionals Endorse AAP Immunization Schedule (1/26/26)
- AAP: AAP’s 2026 Immunization Schedule Keeps Routine Recommendations Intact After Overhaul of Federal Schedule (1/26/26)
- Immunize.org: Official Guidance: Healthcare Professional Organizations main page
KFF releases new poll on the public’s trust and confidence in CDC and vaccines
On February 6, KFF released a new poll that found that about half of Americans are aware of the modifications to the childhood vaccine schedule. Of those who are aware, more people think the changes will hurt kids than help them (54% vs. 26%). There’s also a partisan divide; Democrats and independents are largely concerned, while about half of Republicans and “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) supporters see it positively.
Findings show that trust in the CDC has reached its lowest point yet. Fewer than half of adults now say they trust the agency at least a fair amount for vaccine information, similar to levels seen last September, but down more than 10 percentage points since the start of the second Trump administration.
Public confidence in the safety of MMR and polio vaccines remains high across the political spectrum. However, vaccines that are no longer universally recommended show lower confidence levels, with wider partisan gaps emerging.
KFF has also launched an interactive dashboard that tracks public trust in health information, vaccine attitudes, and how people use news, social media, and AI for health information. Drawing from more than a dozen surveys conducted over the past five years, it’s a valuable resource for monitoring these evolving trends.
Visit KFF’s interactive dashboard.
Back to TopVirtual: North Dakota State University Center for Immunization Research and Education hosts webinar titled “Supporting Vaccine Decisions Through Shared Clinical Decision-Making” on February 24 at 1:00 p.m. (ET)
The North Dakota State University (NDSU) Center for Immunization Research and Education will host a webinar titled Supporting Vaccine Decisions Through Shared Clinical Decision-Making, at 1:00 p.m. (ET) on February 24. Speakers include Elizabeth Skoy, PharmD, FAPhA, an expert in immunization delivery and increasing immunization rates, and Andrea Polkinghorn, BSN, RN, who oversees immunization strategy, education, and quality improvement across more than 200 clinics.
This webinar reviews the history and context of shared clinical decision-making (SCDM) in vaccines, outlines provider and patient roles in the decision-making process, and highlights system-level considerations for implementing SCDM in clinical practice.
NDSU is seeking continuing medical education credit and continuing pharmacy education credit for this webinar.
Back to TopVirtual: February 25–27 ACIP meeting anticipated
A meeting of the ACIP is anticipated at CDC on February 25–27. Details of the meeting are not yet available.
No registration is required to watch webcasts of live ACIP meetings or listen via telephone. Opportunities for public comment are described on the website.
Related Links
- CDC: ACIP main page for access to webcast, agendas
- CDC: ACIP: Meeting Information for presentation slides, content from previous meetings, and information about future meetings
Hybrid: Louisiana Families for Vaccines hosts HPV Awareness Summit on February 21 at 12:00 p.m. (ET) in Monroe, LA
Louisiana Families for Vaccines will hold Knowledge Is Your Light Teen and Parent HPV Awareness Summit, both in-person and virtually, at 12:00 p.m. (ET) on February 21. This event for teens and parents will enhance health literacy and awareness of HPV prevention and treatment through engaging presentations and storytelling from local community leaders. HPV, Tdap, and flu shots will also be available, but preregistration is required.
Learn more and register for the event.
Back to TopVirtual: Voices for Vaccines shares Vaccine Advocate Training “Storytelling for Social Change: Shaping the Vaccine Narrative” on February 25 at 4:00 p.m. (ET)
Voices for Vaccines (VFV) will host a vaccine advocate training, Storytelling for Social Change: Shaping the Vaccine Narrative, at 4:00 p.m. (ET) on February 25, the second training in VFV’s 5-part series. This training equips vaccine advocates with practical tools to use authentic, ethical storytelling to build trust, counter misinformation, and inspire action. Through real-world examples and clear frameworks, participants learn how to share vaccine stories responsibly across communities and platforms.
Participants who attend all 5 training sessions in the series will become Super Vax Advocates, gaining access to exclusive workshops and resources to combat misinformation.
Related Links
- VFV: The Role of Storytelling in Advocacy web page
- VFV: Vaccine Advocates web page
Virtual: Unity Consortium hosts communications briefing about Adolescent Immunization Action Week 2026 on February 26 at 12:30 p.m. (ET)
Unity Consortium (Unity) will host a briefing for Adolescent Immunization Action Week 2026 (AIAW26), 12:30–1:00 p.m. (ET) on February 26. During the meeting Unity will share the latest additions to the AIAW Partner Toolkit (Password: unity) and details about AIAW events. The toolkit includes newsletter inserts, graphics, social media posts, videos, and more to use with your constituents and members. You can also customize resources to meet your needs.
This year, AIAW26 will take place April 6–10. Join this national movement to spur conversations among healthcare providers, parents, and adolescents to ensure adolescents are up to date on recommended immunizations.
Please consider sponsoring webinars or events, including AIAW26, in your communications plans leading up to and during April 6–10. Unity welcomes your partnership ideas to increase confidence in vaccines and the importance of vaccinations to lifelong health.
Register for the AIAW26 meeting.
Back to TopRegister for Immunize.org Website Office Hours. Join a 30-minute discussion about our Ask the Experts web content on March 4 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or March 5 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). Recorded sessions archived.
To learn simple tips and tricks for using our websites efficiently, please register for our next set of Website Office Hours on Wednesday, March 4, at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or Thursday, March 5, at 12:00 p.m. (ET). The same content will be covered in both sessions.
We will open each 30-minute session with a short, live demonstration on navigating our Ask the Experts 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.
Back to TopVirtual: CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center hosts Current Issues in Vaccines series webinar “Shared Clinical Decision-Making: What Does It Mean? Influenza, COVID-19 and Rotavirus Vaccination” on March 11 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). CME credit offered.
The Vaccine Education Center (VEC) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) will present a 1-hour webinar titled Shared Clinical Decision-Making: What Does It Mean? Influenza, COVID-19 and Rotavirus Vaccination beginning at 12:00 p.m. (ET) on March 11. Part of its Current Issues in Vaccines series, the webinar will feature Paul Offit, MD, director of the VEC.
Free continuing education credits (CME, CEU, and CPE) will be available for both the live and archived events.
Back to TopIn-Person: 18th Annual Stews Shootout and Golf Ball Drop benefiting Immunize.org on March 28 in Indio, CA
Immunize.org is honored once again to be the beneficiary of the 18th annual charitable golf event, at The Golf Course at Terra Lago – North Course in Indio, CA, on March 28. Hosts Michelle and Casey Stewart, formerly with the National Meningitis Association, launched this major charitable event to raise awareness and funds for adolescent vaccination advocacy.
Those who want to participate virtually may purchase a golf ball for a chance to win. Every $10 tax-deductible donation buys you a golf ball and a chance to win up to $2,500 in cash if your ball lands closest to the hole (or in the hole) after it drops from the helicopter.
Visit Stews Shootout and Golf Ball Drop web page for more information.
Back to TopIn-Person: Register for the 2026 National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit meeting on May 19–21 in Atlanta (open to NAIIS members only)
The National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit (NAIIS) has opened registration for its 2026 National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit in-person meeting to be held May 19–21 at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia in Atlanta, Georgia. This year’s theme is “Adult Vaccination: Confronting Emerging Barriers and Risks.”
The NAIIS has reserved a block of rooms at an excellent rate for this year’s meeting. Following registration, you will have the opportunity to book a hotel at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia. The discounted rate will expire on April 24 and is consistent with the United States government per diem rate.
This meeting is an invitation-only event for NAIIS members and invited speakers. While registration is free, registration will be closed once the meeting registration reaches maximum capacity.
Register for the meeting. The meeting registration password is required. If you are a NAIIS member and do not have it, please contact kayla.ohlde@immunize.org.
The May 2026 meeting will include a poster session. Attendees interested in submitting an abstract for consideration must submit their abstract by March 20, 2026. Submitters will be notified if their poster is accepted by April 3, 2026.
The Summit’s Immunization Excellence Awards will be presented at the awards luncheon on May 20. Nominations for the Excellence Awards closed on February 6.
Back to TopEditable Resources
Voices for Vaccines shares vaccine schedule talking points which can be adapted to specific audiences and communities
Due to the changes in the childhood immunization schedule, Voices for Vaccines has drafted talking points that may be helpful when sharing information with members of the community. The talking points include information about the 17 diseases that children can still be vaccinated against, particularly the vaccines that are no longer routinely recommended by HHS. These talking points can be adapted for specific audiences and communities.
Voices for Vaccines also encourages coalition members to sign up to receive the Common Health Coalition’s Morning Vax View daily newsletter, including vaccine news and resources.
Back to TopResources
CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center offers recording of film, Forgetting to Remember: Lessons from a Vaccine Lost and season two of VEC Vaccine Notes
The Vaccine Education Center (VEC) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) hosted a premiere of a new short film, Forgetting to Remember: Lessons from a Vaccine, created in partnership with Medical History Pictures, that 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.
A panel discussion followed, exploring the film’s themes and the application of lessons learned in the current context. The discussion was moderated by Maiken Scott, host and executive producer of WHYY’s The Pulse. Panelists included 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.
Both the film and the discussion are available for viewing:
- Watch the film
- Watch the panel discussion
- Find both recordings and learn more about adenovirus history
Additionally, the VEC released the second season of its VEC Vaccine Notes podcast series, which relays vaccine information in both video and podcast formats for people on the go. Each episode is based on one of VEC’s Vaccines and Diseases web pages. Each describes the diseases vaccines prevent, the vaccines available, answers to common questions, and vaccination risks and benefits.
Episodes so far this season covered HPV, pneumococcus, anthrax, and rotavirus. In the coming weeks, VEC Vaccine Notes will cover chikungunya, rabies, mpox, and more.
VEC Vaccine Notes is available on YouTube and can be listened to via podcast at: Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and PodChaser.
View the VEC Vaccine Notes web page for more.
Additional resources VEC would like to share include:
- VEC’s vaccine dictionary resource with short definitions of relevant terms and, in some cases, links for those who want to take a deeper dive. The dictionary also defines common vaccine-associated acronyms.
- January 2026 Parents PACK newsletter with an article that explains the concept of “elimination status” for families who may have questions. Sign up for Parents PACK newsletter.
Association of Immunization Managers shares several resources
- The Association of Immunization Managers (AIM) has resources of that may be of interest to the coalitions, that include:
- Presentations from the 2025 AIM Leadership in Action Conference are available for viewing on the conference web page
- New submissions from the 2025 Bull’s-Eye Awards are available on the Program Practice Database
- AIM offers its Immunization Coalition Toolkit with resources for building, maintaining, and sustaining immunization coalitions
Public Health Communications Collaborative offers shareable graphics on changes to the recommended childhood immunization schedule and course for public health communicators
The Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC) created ready-to-post graphics to share information about the latest changes to the recommended childhood immunization schedule and what they mean for parents and caregivers.
PHCC also offers a free, 2-hour course, Media Relations Capacity Building for Public Health Communicators, in its fourth PHCC Academy’s training. The course equips public health communicators with the skills and confidence to work proactively with the media.
Back to TopIn the News
These recent articles feature coalition activities and other stories of interest
- The Hill: Oz Urges Americans to Get Measles Vaccine amid Outbreaks (2/8/26)
- Live5News: South Carolina Senator Proposes Mandatory Measles Vaccines for Students (2/7/26)
- Stateline: States That Once Led in Child Vaccination Fall as They Expand Exemptions (2/2/26)
- Vaccines Today: Measles ‘Reestablished’ in Six European Countries (1/26/26)
- KBIA: Following the Closure of the Missouri Immunization Coalition, “I’m Very Fearful of the Vacuum of Information” (1/15/26)
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.

















