Preteen Vaccine Week 2010

Communities throughout California celebrated Preteen Vaccine Week (PVW) from January 17-23. The CDPH Immunization Branch and the California Immunization Coalition (CIC) promoted adolescent immunizations for two weeks by releasing several radio PSAs targeting English and Spanish speaking parents across the state.  A rap PSA specifically targeted a preteen audience.

The Immunization Branch collaborated with CDPH’s Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Branch to educate youth about the HPV vaccine, now available to both girls and boys. Text messages about HPV vaccination went out through a program that generates awareness about adolescent health. Campaign partners included the California School Nurses Organization and the California Adolescent Health Collaborative, which promoted PVW in their newsletters and email.  Many local health departments also planned events, including interviews, immunization clinics, scavenger hunts, school mailings, contests, and games. To learn more about Preteen Vaccine Week activities or how to promote preteen vaccines throughout the year, contact Rebeca.Boyte@cdph.ca.gov.

NIIW/TIM: I Choose to Stay on Track for a Lifetime of Health!
National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is April 24 - May 1, and Toddler Immunization Month (TIM) continues through the month of May. Each year, NIIW/TIM mobilizes local and state health departments, immunization partners, health care providers, and community leaders. The observances highlight the extraordinary impact of immunization in keeping infants and children healthy.

Back by popular demand, 2010 NIIW/TIM activities in California will draw from the “i choose” campaign using the slogan “I Choose to Stay on Track for a Lifetime of Health!” Accordingly, organizations will be able to plan i choose photo activities and collect testimonials from individuals who choose to immunize.  Coalitions, health departments, and stakeholders are encouraged to use NIIW/TIM as a springboard to promote childhood immunizations.

Over 20 local health departments and community organizations throughout California are expected to participate in NIIW this year. To help, CDPH is developing statewide radio PSAs to promote NIIW/TIM. Other materials and resources are available now in an online campaign kit to assist with planning, promoting, and implementing successful NIIW/TIM activities. For additional information, about California’s NIIW/TIM activities, contact Jenny.Bailey@cdph.ca.gov

California Cervical Cancer-Free Campaign

The California Medical Association Foundation (CMAF) has been awarded a grant for multicultural education and outreach to prevent cervical cancer through HPV vaccination and other strategies.  California is one of five states to receive such funding.

CMAF is has been working with the Immunization Branch, STD Branch, CDPH Office of Women’s Health, and other stakeholders to identify priorities, goals, and objectives for the year. Of special concern are California’s underserved communities where rates of cervical cancer are high. Stay tuned for additional information later in 2010.