FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 8, 2024
CONTACT: Emily Clancy, Communications Director (Emily.Clancy@childrenscolorado.org)
Immunize Colorado, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), today launched revamped and fully updated versions of its “Immunize For Good” education campaign websites in English and Spanish. The campaign, initially launched in 2011, aims to help parents and caregivers learn the facts about immunization and feel informed and confident about their decision to vaccinate their children.
Over the past 13 years, the campaign websites, ImmunizeForGood.com and VacunalosPorSuBien.com (Spanish), have been viewed by nearly 3 million people in over 190 countries worldwide.
“Immunize For Good is an incredibly valuable resource for caregivers in Colorado and beyond,” said Susan Lontine, the executive director of Immunize Colorado. “It explains immunization in a relatable, approachable, and easy-to-understand way, without judgement.”
The revamped websites have been fully updated to feature current, expert-reviewed information on a variety of topics, including vaccine-preventable diseases, the vaccine schedule, how vaccines work, and where to find vaccines (including how to find vaccines at low or no cost). Diseases newly preventable through immunization over the past decade, like COVID-19 and RSV, are included. The websites aim to position vaccination as the norm through a section titled Parents Talk, which features written and video testimonials from parents and grandparents about why they vaccinate. The websites also feature a Fact or Fiction section that corrects common vaccine misinformation, such as the myths that vaccines cause autism, overwhelm the immune system, affect fertility, and more.
“These days, parents are inundated with more information than ever before, both online and off, and it can be very tricky to separate truth from fiction,” said Lontine. “We know every parent and caregiver wants to do what’s best for their child, so this resource is here to help them cut through the noise and misinformation and equip themselves with the facts.”
A national report released in 2023 shows that over 90% of parents follow the CDC’s recommended vaccine schedule; still, about 1 in 6 parents have questions or concerns about vaccines.
“Having questions about vaccines is normal,” said Heather Roth, the immunization branch chief at CDPHE. “But tons of research shows, and experts agree, that vaccines are safe and effective. The Immunize For Good websites compile vaccine information in one place so families can easily find answers to their questions.”
A panel of immunization experts reviewed the websites’ updated content for scientific accuracy. The content on the Spanish-language website was also reviewed by a cultural trans-creation consultant to ensure its cultural inclusivity and relevance for Latino audiences.
“When children are immunized, they can go out into the world and do what kids ought to do—learn, explore, and thrive; when they’re protected from disease, they can truly say, I’m Good,” said Lontine. “Immunize Colorado is proud to offer such an accessible and content-rich resource to help parents make their vaccination decisions.”
ABOUT IMMUNIZE COLORADO
Immunize Colorado is a statewide, independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Its mission is to protect Colorado families, schools, and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases. Immunize Colorado does not accept funding from vaccine manufacturers or distributors. To learn more, visit www.immunizecolorado.org and connect with Immunize Colorado on Facebook and Twitter.
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