Immunize Kansas Coalition Announces Opportunity

Calling all Kansas providers working to improve immunization rates! The Immunize Kansas Coalition (IKC) is looking to provide recognition awards for local quality improvement activities that support evidence-based practices and measurable increases in Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), meningococcal, and Tdap vaccination rates among adolescents in Kansas.

Who is eligible? These innovative grants (limited to Kansas only) are open to the following four categories, with one award winner being selected from each category:

• Local public health departments;
• Residency programs in family medicine or pediatrics;
• Safety net clinics (e.g., federally qualified health centers, community health centers); and
• Providers and clinics directly involved in the delivery of immunization services for adolescents.

IKC is recognizing these activities because Kansas adolescents rank 41st in the nation for HPV vaccination rates among adolescents 13-17 years old, according to the National Immunization Survey. Kansas also ranks 45th for meningococcal vaccination rates.

Four awards, $5,000 each, will be given following the successful demonstration of an immunization rate increase in a clinical practice setting. Providers interested in the recognition awards must register their intent by November 30, 2017.

The Immunize Kansas Coalition is a group of Kansas providers, health department officials, researchers, and educators working together to improve vaccine rates and protect Kansans against vaccine-preventable diseases. For more information, see www.immunizekansascoalition.org.