Keep Infant and Child Immunizations
Up-To-Date During Stay At Home Orders
The California Immunization Coalition in collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics - CA has sent out a media release and launched messages via social media to urge parents and caregivers to stay current on their children’s immunization schedule in order to protect them from debilitating and potentially deadly diseases like measles and pertussis during this challenging time.

At the start of World Immunization Week and National Infant Immunization Week (April 24-May 1), we are now more aware than ever of the serious consequences associated with a disease that currently has no immunization to provide protection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that childhood vaccines continue to be given, stating “If a practice can provide only limited well child visits, healthcare providers are encouraged to prioritize newborn care and vaccination of infants and young children (through 24 months of age) when possible.

Physicians across the country are undertaking strategies to ensure patient safety during the pandemic such as seeing fewer patients in-person, using telemedicine appointments, and suspending elective procedures.

“Vaccines work best if they’re administered on time, every time,” said Randy Bergen, MD, President of the CIC. “Your family can safely stay up to date on essential vaccines while practicing social distancing and I urge parents and guardians to contact their pediatricians or local health clinics to determine their options during stay at home orders.”

Additionally, while millions of Americans are out of work and struggling financially, it is important to note that no infant or child should be denied a vaccine because of insurance status or ability to pay. The CDC Vaccines for Children (VFC) program offers immunizations at no cost to providers who serve eligible children. Please see story below regarding California and Vaccines for Children Providers.

Please share the information in this press release and mini update widely and if you would like a copy of the news release to customize for your area, please contact us at info@immunizeca.org.

Thank you for all you are doing and will continue to do to keep our communities safe.
Keeping Infants and Toddlers Healthy
Letter to Vaccines For Children Providers
The California Department of Public Health has distributed a letter to Vaccines for Children (VFC) providers which has important messages for all immunization providers. Please access the letter here and connect with them at VFC Customer Service Center at 877-243-8832 (877-2GET-VFC) if you have specific questions about the VFC program.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued recommendations for prioritizing childhood immunizations during this pandemic period, and strategies which can be implemented across pediatric practices to slow the spread of disease.

As outlined in the letter, key takeaways include:

  • Prioritization of immunizations for children 0-24 months
  • Strategies for modifying clinic operations
  • Approval for Alternate/Temporary VFC locations
  • AAP and CDC resources

See below for more suggestions and resources in making sure your practice is ready to safely meet the needs of your patients.

Medi-Cal NewsFlash: Resuming California's Deferred
and Preventive Health Care
Stay-at-Home orders are in place and have supported the flattening of the curve in California. During this time, non-urgent health care has been deferred to support the State's efforts and to further prevent the spread of COVID-19. This deferral of services was essential in response to the surge of COVID-19 patients, but creates its own public health impacts, which must be addressed as soon as practicable.

Please go to link below for important update from the Department of Health Care Services - Medi-Cal including guidelines for outpatient services such as immunization.

Be sure to check out the list of important resources at end of document.


National
Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) 2020

National Infant Immunization Week 2020 is happening during the week of April 25 - May 2, 2020. NIIW week is all about sharing the benefits of vaccines and the importance of protecting children under the age of two from Vaccine Preventable Diseases. It is not too late to check out CDC's social media toolkit and get share these messages with your community during the last week of April and beyond.
One Stop Shop for
IZ Training and Resources!
Make sure to check out the resources on the EZIZ website:

  • Recent webinar on Guidance for Immunization During COVID-19 Pandemic
  • 2020 Immunization Schedules - Childhood, Adolescent, Adult
  • Print Materials (Wash Your Hands!)
  • Links to COVID-19 resources
Upcoming Webinars from Partner Organizations
As we continue to do our part and shelter in place many organizations are continuing their work from home and had to cancel or postponing in person events and meetings. One of the benefits of this new way of interacting is that many organizations are offering webinars they would of otherwise maybe not have offered. Here are some we think you should consider.


We would love to share your organizations immunization related webinars or trainings - contact us at info@immunizeca.org
Voices For Vaccines and VaxTalk
Vax Talk is the podcast for people who want to do something about outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases and who understand that knowledge is power. We will discuss the latest news about vaccines and the impact they have on our communities, our families, and our friendships.

The most recent podcast features a conversation with renowned vaccinologist, Dr. Stanley Potkin, about how vaccines are typically developed and what is being done now to make the one vaccine the world desperately wants now.

Subscribe to Vax Talk via iTunes or via Google Play

Please give these great talks a listen and afterwards, make sure you give them a strong review.

State and National Meetings and Conferences

As a way to identify educational opportunities for advocates across the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention keeps a calendar of upcoming state and national meetings on a great website. Upcoming vaccine related meetings and conferences can be found here .

The California Immunization Coalition is a statewide 501c3 nonprofit.
Newsletter content is the sole responsibility of the California Immunization Coalition.