When I take care of myself, I take care of everyone
Talking about National Immunization Awareness Month
In honor of National Immunization Awareness Month, here’s an interview with our partner Ericha Stewart, Director of the Immunize Wisconsin coalition (IMWI), on whose Advisory Board I serve. On the other side of the interview, I’ve included some resources for NIAM.
How did IMWI come about?
We are a dynamic coalition founded in 2022 with the generous support of a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. As a coalition, we are stewarded by the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and operate with the objective of fostering collaboration and promoting evidence-based practices in the field of immunization. We serve as a statewide communication and networking forum, connecting various organizations and individuals who share a common interest in vaccination and public health. Our primary goal is to facilitate the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and resources, ultimately strengthening immunization efforts throughout the state of Wisconsin.
Who are some of the partners in the coalition?
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- Ascension Health System
- Bayfield Health Department
- City of Praise Church Milwaukee
- Dane County Immunization Coalition
- Eau Claire City-County Health Department
- Equal Protection Council
- Gundersen Health System
- Health Connections Milwaukee
- Hmong American Center
- InPower
- Milwaukee Healthcare Partnership
- Marshfield Health System
- Oneida Nation
- Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin
- Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative
- The Autism Society
- UW School of Medicine and Public Health
- Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
- Wisconsin Council of Churches [hey, that’s us! —Ed.]
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services
What are some of the coalition’s plans?
During National Immunization Awareness Month, Immunize WI is gearing up to launch content that highlights immunization work in Wisconsin. Through engaging and informative content, Immunize WI will showcase the critical work being done to promote vaccinations and protect communities from vaccine-preventable diseases.
As part of our commitment to fostering immunization initiatives, Immunize WI is excited to announce the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for our second round of mini-grants. These grants will offer support to deserving organizations dedicated to advancing immunization efforts and tackling vaccine disparities and building coalition infrastructure.
The title of this post comes from this song from Farmworker Justice.
We’ve heard a lot about COVID vaccination, of course, but what are some of the other vaccination/immunization issues to be aware of?
IMWI recognizes the significance of two crucial immunization issues that require attention and action. The first issue is vaccine hesitancy, wherein reluctance or refusal to get vaccinated is growing due to misinformation and misconceptions. To combat this, Immunize WI aims to address misinformation head-on by providing accurate and evidence-based information to the public, thereby fostering trust and confidence in immunization programs.
The second issue is vaccine equity, where certain communities face barriers to accessing vaccines due to socio-economic and healthcare disparities. Immunize WI is committed to combating vaccine inequities by implementing targeted outreach efforts, facilitating mobile vaccination clinics, and ensuring vaccines are available in underserved areas. Through these initiatives, Immunize WI strives to ensure equitable access to vaccines for all, ultimately promoting public health and safeguarding communities from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Why should churches be interested or invested in the work of Immunize WI?
Churches play a critical role in promoting the health and well-being of their congregations and communities. Supporting the work of Immunize WI can have a profound impact on protecting congregants’ health by preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
By encouraging vaccination within their communities, churches can help to safeguard the health of vulnerable populations, including the elderly, pregnant individuals, and young children, ensuring their safety and well-being, which they often serve.
Additionally, churches can reflect compassionate and responsible stewardship of life by prioritizing disease prevention and protection through routine immunization practices. By supporting Immunize WI, churches foster a sense of community responsibility and demonstrate their commitment to the broader well-being of their neighborhoods. They can set an example for their members by promoting positive health behaviors, contributing to a healthier and safer environment for all.
One last question, and it’s an important one: stickers or suckers after an immunization shot?
Immunize WI encourages offering both stickers and suckers after an immunization shot! By providing a diverse selection of stickers featuring fun characters and themes, we can cater to different interests and personalities. Embracing inclusivity and diversity in our approach to post-immunization rewards ensures that all individuals feel appreciated and cared for during their vaccination journey.
So why not make the immunization experience a little extra delightful with a mix of stickers and suckers? It’s a surefire way to spread happiness and create a positive memory for all those who roll up their sleeves to protect their health!
To stay connected with Immunize WI, visit their website: immunizewi.org. Or look for them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Linkedin by searching “Immunize WI”. Sign up on their website to get NIAM resources when they’re released, or to learn more about grant opportunities.
For shareable resources on immunization, see the CDC website (I’ve included some graphics below as well). I also highly recommend the CDC’s Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool and their Child and Adolescent Vaccination Assessment Tool. I’ll share this and more on the CHP Facebook page throughout the month of August.
