FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 16, 2024
Washington, DC — The Public Health Foundation (PHF) and Wellness Equity Alliance (WEA), released an insightful video series to support healthcare professionals (HCPs) and community health workers (CHWs) in their approach to improving pediatric vaccination rates.
This series features dedicated healthcare professionals sharing best practices for effectively communicating with vaccine-hesitant parents and caregivers, particularly within diverse and underserved communities. Each speaker shares stories from the field that emphasize the critical role that HCPs and CHWs play in protecting children and families from severe illness by fostering vaccine confidence, addressing misinformation, and improving vaccine access.
“Easily accessible vaccines are essential for protecting our children, neighbors, and communities from serious illnesses. This video series provides valuable strategies for public health and healthcare professionals to communicate effectively about vaccines, ultimately leading to improved pediatric vaccination rates”
-Ron Bialek, President, Public Health Foundation
"This video series is a testament to our unwavering dedication to health equity. It is designed to share power with public health professionals and community health workers (CHWs) with critical tools to combat challenges with optimal vaccine uptake, especially among historically marginalized communities. By enhancing communication strategies and expanding the reach of pediatric vaccines, we not only aim to protect children and their families from preventable illnesses, but also to rebuild trust in the healthcare system. These efforts are pivotal in our mission to drive meaningful improvements in public health outcomes, ensuring that every person in every community, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive."
-Tyler Evans, MD, MS, MPH, AAHIVS, DTM&H, FIDSA, CEO of Wellness Equity Alliance
The four-part video series includes the following modules:
Module 1: Communicating about Pediatric Vaccines
Presented by: Ludwing Salamanca, MD, PhD
- Explores key concepts such as health equity, cultural competence, and strategies for advancing health literacy among families.
Module 2: Health Equity in Pediatric Vaccination
Presented by: Daniel H. Stephens, MD
- Discusses the impact of social determinants of health on vaccine access and hesitancy, and outlines approaches for delivering equitable immunization.
Module 3: Activating Trusted Partners in Pediatric Vaccination
Presented by: Vante, Community Health Worker
- Highlights the role of CHWs and other trusted community partners in disseminating vaccination information and building vaccine confidence.
Presented by: Donna C. Futterman, MD
- Focuses on expanding access points for pediatric vaccination, including rural health clinics, community health centers, and school-based health centers.
Upon completing the series, viewers will gain critical insights into effectively engaging with vaccine-hesitant parents, understanding the social factors influencing vaccination decisions, and enhancing equitable access to pediatric vaccines.
This video series highlights PHF and WEA's commitment to advancing health equity and improving public health outcomes by providing essential resources for the healthcare workforce.
For more information about the video series and to access the series, please visit The TRAIN Learning Network or YouTube.
ABOUT THE PUBLIC HEALTH FOUNDATION
The Public Health Foundation (PHF), a private, national nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization based in Washington, DC, improves public health and population health practice to support healthier communities. Since 1970, PHF has developed effective resources, tools, and training for health agencies, organizations, and individuals to improve performance and community health outcomes. For more information, visit www.phf.org.
ABOUT THE WELLNESS EQUITY ALLIANCE
Wellness Equity Alliance (WEA) is a national alliance of population and public health leaders dedicated to transforming public health care interventions by customizing them to meet the needs of historically marginalized communities. Our innovative models are designed to eliminate access barriers for communities impacted by social determinants of health, ensuring that both urban and rural populations receive the healthcare they deserve. By partnering with diverse sectors, WEA functions as an extension of public health systems, offering direct operational support or serving as strategic advisors, providing essential planning and technical assistance.
For additional resources, visit PHF's Immunization Center for tools, training, and educational material for healthcare and public health professionals.
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PHF Media Contact:
Nolan Gill, PHF Communications Manager
[email protected]
WEA Media Contact:
Aaron Mabry, WEA Marketing and Communications Manager
[email protected]