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

Greetings!

Happy December! It's the most wonderful time of the year, and a reminder to keep our communities safe and healthy as we gather for the holidays and end out the year. The flu vaccine is available now throughout the winter. Learn more about getting a flu vaccine on Washington State Department of Health's website.

As of November 20, booster doses of all three COVID-19 vaccine types are now available for everyone 18 and older. Everyone age 5 and older is currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. People who have not yet been vaccinated are highly encouraged to make an appointment today to protect themselves and those around them. Lastly, learn how you can have safer gatherings this holiday season with your family and friends.

This month's newsletter includes important community vaccine announcements, webinars and vaccination news. Please feel free to share this newsletter with your networks.

Stay safe, healthy and protect your community this holiday season!

WithinReach
COVID-19 Vaccination
On November 2, the CDC recommended that children age 5-11 get a COVID-19 vaccine, expanding pediatric vaccine eligibility. Use these sample posts and shareable graphics to promote vaccination in your community.
Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) recently launched the “Voices of Long COVID" campaign. The campaign features testimonials from a diverse group of young adults, ages 18-29, who are experiencing persistent health problems from COVID-19. For each story, RTSL has produced a full suite of “evergreen,” royalty-free media assets that you can customize and promote at the national, state and local levels. 
 
Community Opportunities

The COVID-19 Vaccine Collaborative is a community engagement initiative launched by the DOH to ensure an equity and social justice lens is incorporated in the agency’s vaccine planning and implementation. The Collaborative centers the needs, requests and recommendations of communities and sectors that have been most disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. If you are interested in joining the Collaborative, please fill out an interest form. 

Upcoming Webinars & Events
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance for all individuals to be up-to-date on their routine vaccinations, as well as their annual influenza vaccine. Many children fell behind on routine vaccines and well-child visits during the pandemic. Routine, influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are essential to helping children, families and communities stay healthy.  


December 9, 2021, 12:00- 1:00 pm ET

Please join the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Breastfeeding Program and the Pennsylvania Immunization Coalition in a joint webinar for a discussion on the safety and importance of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine(s) while pregnant and/or while breastfeeding.
January 12, 2022, 12:00- 2:00 pm PDT

Join us for our virtual January 2022 IACW Meeting! Presentations and a recording of this meeting will be made available after the event.
News
Resources

This document is designed to provide message guidance and framing for public health officials and others, and it is regularly updated to reflect new developments and emerging issues.

It’s understandable that some parents want more information before getting their young children vaccinated, so this month’s feature article aims to address three factors to assist in decision-making. 

State, tribal, local and territorial officials can play a key role in conveying information to community members or intermediaries in a timely, clear way.
Free E-Courses
Check out our free immunization e-courses on our Immunity Community website! These courses can be started and completed at any time. Courses are available for professionals who work in the immunization field.
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.