A publication of the Immunization Action Coalition of WA (IACW) and WithinReach
January 2021

Greetings!

Happy New Year!

We are excited and optimistic at the start of 2021 that we have the approval of two COVID-19 vaccines under the Emergency Use Authorization to help us in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. We also understand that vaccines are just one tool in our toolkit until most of us are vaccinated. It is still very important to continue prevention measures, such as washing your hands, wearing a mask, staying six feet apart and limiting gatherings. 

WithinReach has established a centralized resource page on our website for families and health care providers with information, from our partners, on the COVID-19 vaccines. If you know of any excellent resources that you’d like to see listed here, please contact us

We also encourage everyone to get a flu vaccine to further protect our community. Individuals and families can connect with us through our Help Me Grow Washington Hotline at 1-800-322-2588 or ParentHelp123.org website for help finding a flu vaccine provider. Also, check out our flu web page for more information and resources. 
 
We wish you a 2021 filled with hope, a dash of optimism and, of course, plenty of health!
 
Cheers,

WithinReach
Flu Zone

With SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, continuing to spread during influenza season, Dr. Paul Offit explains why it’s more important than ever to get an influenza vaccine this year.

HPV Vaccination Campaign

HPV VAX NOW aims to increase awareness of the risk for HPV-related cancers and the protective benefits of the HPV vaccine, and to empower young adults to complete the HPV vaccine series. The campaign also supports healthcare providers who counsel young adults by offering tips for effectively recommending the vaccine.

Upcoming Webinars & Events
Register today for our January IACW Meeting!

Meeting Agenda:
  • Dr. Ed Marcuse and Dr. John Dunn will talk about their work on the Western States Safety Review Board 
  • WA State Department of Health presentation and Q&A on COVID-19 vaccine dissemination, presented by SheAnne Allen, DOH COVID-19 Vaccine Director 
  • 2021 political landscape and background, presented by Carrie Glover, WithinReach 

January 14, 2021 9:00 a.m. PST
The webinar will cover:
  • helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities make informed decisions
  • discussing the vaccination process
  • the role of Care Coordinators

Please join in for a continuation of the APHA virtual speaker series with Part 9: Spotlight on Vaccines - Research, Development and Distribution.

As advocates and educators, we need to be sensitive to parents’ motivations for rejecting science and frame our communication around the psychological roots of their beliefs.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Understanding the science behind emotional decision-making
  2. Comprehension of why rational arguments and facts don’t sway a science denier
  3. How to effectively communicate with a vaccine-hesitant parent

Archived Webinars
Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett lead a host of top medical professionals as they discuss the vaccine, distribution and next steps for Black Americans. 

This webinar was originally presented on January 7.

This presentation updates healthcare professionals on CDC's COVID-19 vaccine planning and implementation, including vaccine distribution strategy, current state planning efforts, and the COVID-19 “Vaccinate with Confidence” strategy.

This webinar was originally presented on December 3.

Free E-Courses

Hepatitis B Health Disparities in Refugee and Immigrant Communities


Drop Your Assumptions and Pick Up the Evidence: Strategies for Communication with Parents About Vaccines

News

The FDA has learned of reports that some health care facilities are trying to stretch the number of limited doses by cutting them in half, extending the length of time between doses, or mixing and matching vaccines in order to immunize more people against COVID-19.


Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett is the National Institute of Health’s lead scientist for coronavirus vaccine research. She worked with the company Moderna to develop the mRNA technology used to block new infections from taking root in the body.


Most health insurers in Washington state have signaled their intent to immediately waive all cost-sharing for COVID-19 vaccinations. Policyholders will be covered regardless of where they receive the vaccination. 

Resources Section
QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS?
Contact us: ic@withinreachwa.org
Making the connections Washington families need to be healthy and safe. Promoting, protecting & supporting immunization as a vital part of the health and development of children and families.

Founded in 1994, the Immunization Action Coalition of Washington (IACW), a program of WithinReach, works to improve the health of the community by minimizing the incidence of vaccine preventable diseases through the optimal use of immunizations across the lifespan.