With threats to birthright citizenship and active acts of mass deportation across the country, Immunize Colorado would be remiss to ignore the repercussions in Colorado. Our community of refugees, immigrants, migrants, and other newcomers are a vital part of Colorado’s heart and identity. While citizen status has historically been a bar to accessing public health and healthcare services, the actions of the new administration have exacerbated this issue exponentially. We at Immunize Colorado believe that healthcare is a basic human right. We recognize that this is an incredibly difficult, scary, and uncertain time for these communities, and healthcare services like immunization are likely not top of mind for many folks; nonetheless these services are critical to protecting health, and no one should feel unsafe accessing them. We remain committed to bridging access to those in need of essential, lifesaving healthcare services, like vaccinations. With these new challenges, it is more important than ever to continue to connect with organizations to best protect and support our newcomer communities. We are working internally and with our partners to do everything in our power to make our clinics and events as safe as possible for our immigrant and refugee community members. Below is a list of organizations that are trusted partners who provide valuable resources for our newcomer populations.

• CIRC
• Village Exchange
• The Fax Partnership
• Lutheran Family Services
• Vive Wellness

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.

###

The 2024 pocket-sized immunization schedule cards are now available for pre-order on the Immunize Colorado website. These laminated, hole-punched cards are designed to be attached to badges and provide a quick reference for those involved in immunization delivery. The palm cards reflect the latest Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations and are available for the childhood immunization schedule, adolescent immunization schedule, adult immunization schedule, contraindications / precautions, and perinatal hepatitis b prevention recommendations. Orders will ship in April 2024.

Immunize Colorado has developed a Culturally Adapted Motivational Interviewing workshop, which we are now offering in person and virtually through May. The workshop is designed for healthcare providers, pharmacists, students, and others who work or may have conversations with people who are vaccine hesitant or are from diverse cultural backgrounds. If your staff, clinic, student group, or other group is interested in a workshop, please contact Madelyn: Madelyn.Wild@childrenscolorado.org.

At Immunize Colorado, we work to protect Colorado families, schools, and communities
from vaccine-preventable diseases. One of Immunize Colorado’s current priorities is to involve young people (ages 16-18), as vaccine ambassadors for COVID-19, Influenza, HPV, and other recommended vaccinations in this work. Immunize Colorado is looking for young people to help us plan initiatives to improve vaccination rates for teens, particularly in BIPOC communities.

No experience is necessary for this position. The role is flexible and offers competitive pay ($18/hour). Ambassadors gain unique experience working in public health and have the opportunity to work alongside physicians, public health professionals, and other vaccine experts.

National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is an annual observance held in August which highlights the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. As vaccination rates have declined over the past two years, NIAM serves as a particularly important opportunity to remind parents to get their kids caught up on routine wellness visits and vaccines, especially before they head back to school this fall. Want to get involved? Help spread the word:

• Share Immunize Colorado’s Facebook and Twitter posts and follow along with us as we highlight NIAM on social media this month!
   
• Check out and share NIAM resources from the CDC and Voices for Vaccines.
   
• Read and share Kaiser Family Foundation’s recent issue brief, Headed Back to School in 2023: A Look at Children’s Routine Vaccination Trends.