Spring 2026

The MVCP Newsletter features resources, tips, and events to support vaccine confidence.

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At the Massachusetts Vaccine Confidence Project, we’re committed to protecting

all Massachusetts residents from vaccine-preventable diseases.

UPCOMING EVENTS

DPH - Immunization Updates

2026 Immunization Updates Registration is ongoing!

These live webinars take place on Wednesdays in May and June, from noon to 1 p.m. (unless otherwise noted). Register for individual sessions or for the remaining 5 session. Find out more about the 2026 Immunization Updates!



• *Wednesday, May 6: Epidemiology of Vaccine Preventable Diseases in Massachusetts (*completed - the webinar recording will be posted online.)
• Wednesday, May 20: Practical Strategies for Building Vaccine Confidence
• Wednesday, May 27: MIIS - Massachusetts Immunization Information System
• Wednesday, June 3: Vaccine Program Compliance: Storage and Handling
• Wednesday, June 10: Immunization 101
• Wednesday, June 17: Immunization Schedule Updates

1. Childhood Immunization Schedule: 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
2. Adult Immunization Schedule: 12:20-1:05 p.m.   

Vaccine Hesitancy & Building Trust

Through Community Trusted Messengers Webinar

Date: May 12, 2026

Time: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Registration: Registration is ongoing

DPH's Division of Community Engagement (DCE) invites you to attend the Vaccine Hesitancy & Building Trust Through Community Trusted Messengers webinar. This webinar will feature a moderated panel discussion and guided Q&A with community trusted messengers, including faith leaders, grassroots organizers, healthcare workers, educators, and other local leaders. Panelists will share their lived experiences and offer insight into the historical, cultural, and structural factors that contribute to vaccine hesitancy, as well as practical strategies for engaging communities with empathy, transparency, and cultural relevance.

VACCINATION INFORMATION

Mpox Vaccination Locator Map

What you need to know about mpox vaccination in Massachusetts: JYNNEOS vaccine is available to people who are at risk of mpox.

Healthcare locations that offer JYNNEOS vaccination are listed on the mass.gov Mpox Vaccination page. Most healthcare locations offer appointments for you to get the vaccine and some offer walk-in vaccination. Vaccine appointments (both clinic and pharmacy) are available at locations on the map listed to the right. Please contact locations first to confirm that walk-in vaccinations are offered.

Eligibility Questions: Check out mpox vaccination eligibility criteria on mass.gov

Other resources: The National Coalition for LGBTQ Health’s Mpox Resource Center provides up-to-date information, data, and general news from public health authorities on mpox in the United States, including prevention, transmission, testing, and treatment. The Resource Center also houses digital and printable assets for use by clinicians and community members to promote awareness of mpox.

To join the Mpox Vaccination Network and support mpox immunization efforts please email sarah.bond@mass.gov

Massachusetts School Immunization Data

and New School and Camp Requirements

2025-2026 School Immunization Data - School immunization rates provide insight into vaccine coverage in communities across the state. Since immunization rates are not uniform across the state, school immunization data highlight areas that may be more susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases. These data also show the importance of maintaining high immunization rates. Check out DPH's main school immunization page for more information and the current 2025-2026 school year immunization rates.

2026-2027 School and Camp Requirements - School and camp immunization requirements exist to protect students and members of their community from serious vaccine-preventable diseases by ensuring high vaccination rates.

Check out the new 2026-2027 school and camp requirements on DPH's school immunization page as well as more information on how your areas school.

PARTNER HIGHLIGHT

New England Rural Health Association

For over 25 years the New England Rural Health Association (NERHA) has served as the state rural health association for the six New England states. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing rural health. NERHA provides education, training, consulting, and advocacy in support of the rural health organizations and individuals in our region. Check out their website www.nerha.org

Why Rural Healthcare Matters:

✓1 in 5 New Englanders live in rural areas, facing unique healthcare challenges.

✓ Longer Travel Times: Over 2 hours by public transit just to reach basic primary care.

✓ Limited Specialist Access: Delays in diagnoses due to lack of specialized care like OB services or cancer screenings. 

✓ Higher Chronic Disease Rates: Rural communities experience higher levels of diabetes, heart disease, and mental health needs.

For further information or to get involved, please email: admin@newenglandrha.org

The ARISe Center for Rural Vaccination at UMass Chan Medical School

The ARISe Center for Rural Vaccination at UMass Chan Medical School is conducting research to explore drivers of vaccine perceptions in rural communities and to develop and implement effective evidence-based communication approaches for vaccine promotion. They are currently seeking partners who work in rural health and vaccination for upcoming research opportunities! If you would be interested in learning more about the Center and partnering on upcoming rural vaccine efforts, please fill out their interest form here: https://bit.ly/ariseumass 

Or, you can contact the Center Director, Grace Ryan at grace.ryan1@umassmed.edu.

SHAREABLE MEDIA GRAPHICS

Voices for Vaccines creates social media graphics that share accurate vaccine information. You're encouraged to use these graphics! Check out their many resources covering National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), Respiratory Season, HPV Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and MenACWY.

Note: to use the social media graphics you must retain Voices for Vaccines organization logo. You also may co-brand the graphics as long as you do not modify their copy.

MASSACHUSETTS DPH RECOMMENDED GUIDANCE FOR VACCINES

AND OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES

In this section: current vaccine recommendations from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the

Northeast Public Health Collaborative including COVID-19, MMRV, and Hepatitis B vaccines.

DPH Immunization Division - Find vaccine-preventable disease information, clinical advisories and alerts, VFC program info, vaccine administration, clinical guidance, the MIIS, and more!

DPH Recommended Guidance for Vaccines - Find the latest guidance on vaccines.

• DPH 2025–2026 COVID-19 Vaccine recommendations - DPH guidance for the 2025/2026 respiratory illness season for the COVID-19 vaccine.

• DPH Guidance on Use of the Hepatitis B Vaccine for Infants and Children - Guidance from DPH on Hepatitis B Vaccines for infants and children as of December 2025.

• DPH Pediatric Immunization Guidance – For current pediatric immunization guidance including updates and deviations from the primary immunization reference refer to DPH Pediatric Immunization Guidance. DPH currently recommends that families and providers in Massachusetts use the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule as the primary reference for the routine immunization of infants, children, and adolescents.

• DPH Adult Immunization Guidance - For current adult immunization guidance including updates and deviations from the primary immunization reference refer to DPH Adult Immunization Guidance.  DPH currently recommends that families and providers use the CDC Adult Immunization Schedule as the primary reference for adult immunizations.

Search for vaccine locations in your area and schedule your appointment today!

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