Vaccinate Your Family

The tragic news from Lubbock, Texas—a child has died from measles, and more than 20 others are hospitalized—is a stark reminder that vaccine-preventable diseases are still a threat. Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, thanks to widespread vaccination. But as immunization rates decline, outbreaks are becoming more frequent, with Texas now reporting 159+ cases in the Panhandle as of March 4, 2025. If transmission continues, the U.S. risks losing its measles elimination status for the first time in decades. Measles is not just a rash—it can have serious consequences: ?? 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who get measles will be hospitalized ?? 1 in 20 children will develop pneumonia, the leading cause of measles-related deaths ?? 1-3 in every 1,000 children with measles will die from complications To prevent further cases, we need clear public health messaging, strong immunization policies, and support for communities. ?? What can be done? ?? Public health leaders must reinforce the safety and importance of measles vaccination ?? Resources should be provided to state and local health departments to help contain outbreaks ?? Community organizations and trusted messengers need support to address concerns and encourage vaccination The measles vaccine is safe, effective, and our best tool to prevent outbreaks. Ensuring high vaccination rates protects everyone—especially children. Read more in this op-ed by Amy Pisani, CEO of Vaccinate Your Family, and Terri Burke, Executive Director of The Immunization Partnership:?https://lnkd.in/g4JuqDww #Measles #PublicHealth #VaccinesSaveLives #ProtectOurKids

At Vaccinate Your Family (VYF), we’re doubling down on our mission to protect people of all ages from vaccine-preventable diseases. In 2025, we’re focusing on three key priorities to make an even bigger impact: ? Enhancing Strategic Partnerships – Collaborating with trusted messengers, community organizations, and coalitions to amplify vaccine education and advocacy. ? Increasing Vaccine Confidence – Addressing hesitancy through storytelling, transparent communication about the science behind vaccines and their safety, and tailored outreach to communities with low vaccination rates. ? Improving Immunization Policies – Advocating for equitable access and stronger healthcare protections, including defending daycare and school vaccine requirements that keep children safe. This year, we’re committed to turning action into impact—because vaccines save lives. ??? ?? Read more about our top priorities for 2025 on the VYF blog: https://lnkd.in/gtxEiVpp? #PublicHealth #VaccinateYourFamily #ProtectOurCommunities?

Vaccinate Your Family Announces Serese Marotta as Deputy Chief Executive Officer We are thrilled to share some exciting news: Serese Marotta has been promoted to Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) at Vaccinate Your Family (VYF). ?? With over 25 years of experience in science, public health, immunization, non-profit leadership, and patient advocacy, Serese has been an integral part of VYF’s success and growth. Her unwavering commitment to advancing public health and ensuring families everywhere have access to life-saving vaccines makes her the ideal leader to take on this pivotal role. As DCEO, Serese will play a vital role in supporting our Chief Executive Officer by: ? Overseeing the organization’s day-to-day operations, ensuring we stay aligned with our mission and vision. ? Leading the implementation of strategic plans and policies that drive meaningful impact in the communities we serve. ? Managing key departments and strengthening critical programs and partnerships that promote vaccine education, equity, and access. ? Serving as a primary point of contact for stakeholders, fostering collaboration and innovation across the immunization and public health sectors. Serese’s dedication to public health and vaccines stems not only from her extensive professional expertise but also from her personal advocacy as a mother whose work is inspired by the loss of her son, Joseph, to a vaccine-preventable disease.? She embodies the values of VYF and inspires all of us to work harder toward achieving a healthier and safer future for every family. Please join us in congratulating Serese on this well-deserved promotion! ???? We’re excited for the journey ahead as she helps lead VYF into its next chapter of innovation, advocacy, and impact. ?? #VaccinateYourFamily #PublicHealth #NonProfitLeadership??

?? Exciting Opportunity Alert! ?? Are you a passionate public health expert with a knack for education and advocacy? ?? Vaccinate Your Family is hiring a Director of Education to lead impactful initiatives and make a real difference in communities nationwide. We’re looking for someone with experience in public health ready to take on this leadership role and drive educational efforts that promote health equity and vaccine awareness. ?? Ready to join our team or know someone who fits the bill? Check out the job posting and help us spread the word! ?? https://lnkd.in/g8uhFyE8 Let’s work together to create a healthier, better-informed future for all! ?? #PublicHealth #VaccinateYourFamily #WeAreHiring

Vaccinate Your Family stands with the Coalition to Stop Flu as they release their critical After Action Report for the 2023-24 flu season. This report highlights key lessons from the past season and makes specific recommendations for federal policy members about ways to better prevent flu and save lives. Key Takeaways:? ?? Enhanced vaccine uptake is essential to saving lives.? ?? Health systems must prioritize equity in vaccine access, especially for underserved communities.? ?? We must strengthen public health infrastructure, including our data and tracking systems, to combat flu and other respiratory illnesses effectively. The report underscores the importance of flu vaccination as a lifesaving tool, particularly for vulnerable populations. We urge policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public to take the necessary steps to protect families across the country. Let’s continue working together to increase vaccine coverage and reduce the burden of influenza.?#VaccinateYourFamily #FluPrevention #StopTheFlu #PublicHealth #VaccineEquity #FightFlu Read the full report from the Coalition to Stop Flu here: https://lnkd.in/gmaAXEsW?

What we're up to today ? Looking forward to this Congressional Briefing with Coalition to Stop Flu - thank you to everyone working hard to save lives from vaccine-preventable diseases this respiratory season, including our policy leaders!

JOIN US – A Virtual Celebration of 30 Years of Vaccine for Children (VFC) Program ?? October 1, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET Register here: https://lnkd.in/dYcc7f7Z ? On October 1, 1994, the first vaccinations were delivered by the Vaccines for Children Program. Please join Vaccinate Your Family, the Association of Immunization Managers, and key partners on October 1, 2024 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the launch of this extraordinary program. We will hear from leaders and partners who together support the program credited with saving over 1.1 million lives, preventing 508 million illnesses, and saving more than $2.7 trillion. Join us as we celebrate a program all Americans and can be proud of. Our extraordinary panel of speakers include: ? Claire Hannan, Association of Immunization Managers Executive Director Sarah Despres, Counselor to the Secretary of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Dr. Demetre C Daskalakis, NCIRD Director Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dr. Georgina Peacock, CDC Immunization Services Director Amy Pisani,?CEO of Vaccinate Your Family Dr. Walt Orenstein, Former CDC National Immunization Program Director Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, Chief Executive Officer, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials Dr. Michael Kilkenny, NACCHO President & Chief Executive Officer and Health Officer for Cabell-Huntington Health Department?Cabell-Huntington Health Department, WV Dr. Benjamin Hoffman, American Academy of Pediatrics President Tom McCleaf, Pennsylvania Immunization Program Manager & AIM Chair

We'll be tuning in at 9am ET - join as we prepare for respiratory season. And a friendly reminder: NOW is a good time to get those seasonal vaccines (flu, COVID, and RSV for some). Dr. Mandy Cohen will be getting hers live today at the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) news conference.

Reminder: Join NACHW, in partnership with Vaccinate Your Family and Dia de la Mujer Latina, for a joint webinar celebrating and acknowledging the important role that many CHWs hold as vaccinate navigators, educators, and even vaccinators themselves! The webinar will be held on Wednesday, September 18th at 3pm EST! https://buff.ly/4fI54nE

COVID and flu vaccines are regularly updated to protect against changing viruses. The latest updates target variants expected to be circulating in the fall. CVEEP (Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity, and Progress) has a new timeline that shows when vaccines are updated to keep up with these changes: bit.ly/45MvGzy?#StayUpdated