Reports

Immunization programs and immunization coalitions have a long history of working together. The COVID-19 pandemic response truly highlighted the importance of these partnerships, especially in increasing vaccine confidence and uptake.  Immunization program managers have worked with coalitions to achieve common goals such as identifying immunization challenges, prioritizing community needs, building trust, coordinating outreach, implementing strategies, and engaging efforts to bring about system and policy changes.   

Immunization coalitions are not governed by the same regulations, policies, structure, and leadership as health departments. Therefore, they have greater reach and flexibility in terms of membership, funding, social media efforts, and community engagement. Moreover, coalitions can drive immunization advocacy initiatives and mobilize their members, partners, and the wider community to either support or oppose local or state policies, legislation, and system changes.   

In 2024, the Association of Immunization Managers (AIM) sought to identify key standards and best practices for immunization program/coalition relationships by understanding the landscape of existing collaboration between immunization programs and coalitions and how those relationships are structured and leveraged. To accomplish this, AIM contracted Karna, LLC to conduct formative research, which included:   

• A landscape analysis of existing coalition resources   
• A listening session with immunization coalitions and program managers    
• A needs assessment survey with immunization coalitions and program managers  

Based on the results of this research, AIM developed resources and tools for immunization program managers and coalitions that support building, maintaining, and sustaining strong immunization coalitions.

These resources provide a comprehensive overview of immunization coalitions, highlighting their structures, strategies, and impact .

What We’re Learning from Immunization Program Managers and Coalition Representatives: Survey Results

A visual summary of the August 2024 survey of immunization program managers and immunization coalition representatives about coalition work in their jurisdictions.

Immunization Coalition Literature Review and Environmental Scan

An exploration of the history of coalitions and the role that immunization coalitions play in the larger context of the immunization landscape.

Building and Sustaining an Immunization Coalition: The Secrets to Success Webinar

AIM hosted a coalition-focused webinar, Building and Sustaining an Immunization Coalition: The Secrets to Success on August 13. This webinar provided immunization programs and vaccine champions with strategies to build, maintain, and sustain strong immunization coalitions. Attendees heard from two immunization programs and two coalitions on their partnerships and tips for success.