Summer 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.

BACK TO SCHOOL

As families and students prepare for the new school year, now is the perfect time to review immunization requirements and make sure vaccinations are up to date. In this issue, we’re highlighting important back-to-school immunization information for both grade school and college students, including recommended vaccines, state requirements, and resources to help support a healthy start to the academic year.


GRADE SCHOOL STUDENTS




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.


Interested to see how your school or county did on immunizations? Check out DPH's School Immunizations page for more information.


Looking for a concise guide to assist with parents and caregiver questions about vaccines? Check out DPH's Childhood Vaccine FAQ 2026 - available in 7 languages!

TEENS AND COLLEGE STUDENTS

Resources for Promoting Vaccination with Adolescents and Young Adults


Immunize.org supports healthcare professionals with educational resources to remove barriers to vaccination for all. Check out their Ask the Experts section for adolescents and young adults:



Unity Consortium is a non-profit that is passionate about promoting lifelong health through immunization. Check out their immunization resources for providers working with adolescents and young adults:

CONNECTIONS

Join Our Vaccine Confidence Peer Learning Forum - Are you passionate about strengthening health, trust, and connection in our community? We invite you to join our new peer learning group dedicated to community organizing and outreach to support vaccine confidence. This is a collaborative, supportive space designed for community advocates, organizers, and caring neighbors to share resources, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.


Ready to connect? Please take a moment to fill out this quick interest form so we can tailor the group to our collective needs. We look forward to collaborating with you!

NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS MONTH

National Immunization Awareness Month is in August, giving organizations and coalitions the opportunity to work together to capture the public’s attention on immunizations. Check out Voices for Vaccines' NIAM 2026 toolkit.


Including "Vax Max Wednesdays" asking providers to post sometimes multiple times on one day, to make a great impact, surging the hashtags and the associated messages. Consider scheduling a few of these posts every Wednesday during NIAM.



And be sure to view and download the ready-to-post social media assets here.


Follow DPH on X (formerly Twitter) to see important immunization-related content and please retweet messages you find interesting.

MATERNAL HEALTH

ACOG Maternal Health Resources - Check out ACOG's library of educational tools and resources on immunizations and infectious diseases including:



As well as their recorded Webinar Section including:



Massachusetts Healthy Kids Healthy Moms - The Massachusetts Medical Society launched the Healthy Kids Healthy Moms educational campaign to support physicians in communicating effectively with patients about vaccines. Be sure to download the Healthy Kids Healthy Moms flyer to remind patients and caregivers that Massachusetts provides free vaccines to all children under 19, no matter your insurance status. This helps make sure that all children and teens can receive doctor-recommended vaccinations at no cost.

Children do not need health insurance or a social security number to get vaccines, and parents/guardians won’t be asked for payment information. If families do have health insurance, bring your insurance card to your appointment.


Children can get recommended vaccines from:

• A pediatrician, family physician or other health care provider

• A community health center

• Some local health departments or school based clinics

PROVIDER HIGHLIGHT

Pioneer Valley Pediatrics: Working to Address Vaccine Hesitancy Pioneer Valley Pediatrics in Western Mass, is known for its strong

commitment to evidence-based, pro-vaccination care. The practice

actively promotes vaccine education through its website, which

features a dedicated Vaccination Information section, including the

practice’s vaccine policy, vaccine FAQs, educational videos, and a link to the current American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) immunization

schedule. MVCP recently sat down with PVP’s Ann Dalton, RN, Quality

and Clinical Project Manager, to discuss their vaccination efforts:

 

  • How important is it for your practice to maintain a clear vaccine policy for your patients and families?


Before registering patients with our practice, we ensure that parents are aware of the practice’s Vaccine Policy. Most parents are not familiar with the Recommended Childhood Vaccine Schedule. We encourage them to look at the schedule on our website so they can make an

informed decision before joining the practice. This helps build trust and avoid future misunderstandings that are often distressing for parents.

Sharing our vaccine policy in a clear and understandable format beginning at the first parent encounter is an initial and critical step in building a trusting partnership between parents and their doctor. At the same time, they are given a printed FAQ handout based on questions often asked by our own parents. Parents can find additional vaccine information and video clips of Dr. Paul Offit responding to common questions on our website.


  • You have also been recognized for your efforts to engage with vaccine-hesitant parents and caregivers. Can you share the strategies your practice uses to build trust and address vaccine concerns? READ MORE HERE


EDUCATION

Happening Soon!

MCAAP Webinar - Protected & Proactive: Bridging Immunization and Sexual Health

July 28, 2026 | 12:00 PM ET | Register for this activity

This informative webinar will explore the crucial intersection of sexual health and preventative care, highlighting the latest updates on vaccinations for HPV, Mpox, and viral hepatitis. Attendees also will gain vital insights into managing and preventing meningitis and gonorrhea to support comprehensive well-being. CMEs-CEUs provided.

Questions? Contact rich.baker@jsi.org or cmcreynolds@mcaap.org

Storytelling for Social Change: Shaping the Vaccine Narrative

August 19, 2026 | 12:00 PM ET | Register for this activity

This scheduled course will use the power of storytelling to help shape the vaccine narrative. Sponsored by Voices for Vaccines, this webinar is free of charge.

Save the Date - The 31st Annual MIAP Conference

November 4, 2026

The Annual Massachusetts Immunization Action Partnership (MIAP) Pediatric Immunization Skills Building Conference features presentations from experts in the field of pediatric immunization, including vaccine recommendations and general updates. The 31st Annual MIAP Conference will take place on November 4 at the DCU Center in Worcester.

Measles: What Everyone Needs to Know

This on demand course explains how measles spreads, who is most at risk, and how the vaccine protects children, teens, and adults. You’ll also learn how to address common myths and have supportive conversations about measles prevention. Sponsored by Vaccinate Your Family University this online self paced activity is free and available 24/7.

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! Interested in receiving our periodic Immunization updates? Email: ted.f.clark@mass.gov to sign up (opt out anytime).


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




 


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

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