The April session of Hot Topics in Practice will discuss the strategies utilized by Clackamas County to increase childhood immunization rates through improving vaccine access. After analyzing vaccine rates and interviewing key informants, NWCPHP provided recommendations to promote vaccination practices through policy, partnership, data, and communications. In this hour-long webinar, the presenters will discuss the outcomes of the analysis conducted in partnership with NWCPHP. The implementation of the recommended strategies has made a significant impact on local efforts to ensure equitable vaccine access and increase childhood immunization rates. By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to describe potential implementation strategies to decrease vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccine access.
Learning Objectives
- Describe two potential strategies a local public health department could implement to help increase vaccine access.
- Describe how the increased cost and complexity of providing immunizations contributes to gaps in vaccine access.
Intended Audiences
- Local, state, and tribal public health practitioners
- Immunization providers
- Community-based organizations
- Policymakers
- Students
Presenters
Kevin Staley, B.S.
Program Planner
Clackamas County Public Health
Bridget Abshear, B.A., CHES
Program Planner
Clackamas County Public Health
Discussion Questions
- Parental choice not to vaccinate and barriers to access were identified as the leading causes of low childhood vaccination rates in Clackamas County. How do these two factors - vaccine hesitancy and vaccine access - interact with each other within communities?
- When resources are limited, how should vaccine advocates allocate their efforts between improving vaccine confidence and improving vaccine access? Are there strategies that can address both factors simultaneously?
Resources
- Slides available immediately before session
- Oregon School Immunization Rates
- Oregon Early Childhood Immunization Rates
Continuing Education Credits
Up to 1 CPH recertification credit may be earned by viewing this webinar. Visit the National Board of Public Health Examiners to learn more.
