Hello!

May is a significant month for immunization and prevention. We honor Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) 

Heritage Month, and Hepatitis Awareness Month, acknowledging the global impact of viral hepatitis with an estimated 254 million people living with hepatitis B and 50 million people living with hepatitis C worldwide. 

Hepatitis infections are often asymptomatic, so routine, timely vaccination remains one of the most powerful tools providers and partners have to protect patients across the lifespan (WA DOH’s vaccine recommendations).

AANHPI communities experience a disproportionate burden of chronic hepatitis, especially Hepatitis B and its outcomes, including liver cancer. Strong clinical recommendations, timely vaccination at birth, and culturally responsive community outreach are essential to closing these gaps. Learn about efforts like the Hepatitis Education Project in Washington State, and their work towards ending the burden of viral Hepatitis. 

Continue reading for more resources, upcoming meetings, and events.

Stay safe, healthy, and protect your community!



In Partnership,

WithinReach - Immunization Initiatives Team

"Be About It" Documentary Film Screening and Community Forum on May 28th

Join International Community Health Services (ICHS) and Hepatitis B Coalition of Washington from 5-8 PM for a free screening of a documentary film, “Be About it” directed by Christopher Wong, followed by a community forum on Hepatitis Awareness. Dinner provided.

Celebrate 20 Years of Prevention and Progress from HPV Vaccine on May 20th

Join the Western States coalition for a 2-hour virtual summit to celebrate 20 years of prevention and progress from the HPV vaccine. Hear experts reflect on the past 20 years and where we are heading - challenges and successes in preventing HPV-related illness in the western states.

NEW! Nationwide Mobile Health Database

Immunize Maryland has launched a FREE national database for planning, promotion and expansion of mobile health services, including immunizations. Join the collaborative effort to expand access to care.

Resource: Hep B Birth Dose

Media Toolkit 

Hep B United provides ready-to-use social media, graphics, and messaging to support timely vaccination within 24 hours of birth. This toolkit for providers and advocates makes it easy to promote Hep B birth dose in your communities.

Spotlight: A Personal Take on Hepatitis Awareness Month

Dr. Vivian Huang's LinkedIn post underscores the importance of prevention, equity, and timely Hepatitis B vaccination—especially the birth dose—reminding us of the real people and communities behind the data.

Spread the Word the #ForMyBaby Immunization Campaign

Vaccinate Your Family launched a new bilingual #ForMyBaby campaign to promote infant and maternal immunization. See their website for the toolkit, strategies, and more through May 31st.

Check out our free immunization e-courses on the Immunity Community website! These courses can be started and completed at any time. Courses are available for professionals who work in the immunization field.

QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS?

Contact us: ic@withinreachwa.org

Making the connections Washington families need to be healthy and safe. Promoting, protecting & supporting immunization as a vital part of the health and development of children and families.

Founded in 1994, the Immunization Action Coalition of Washington (IACW), a program of WithinReach, works to improve the health of the community by minimizing the incidence of vaccine preventable diseases through the optimal use of immunizations across the lifespan.

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