Resources To Support Routine Childhood Immunization

Partner Vaccination Toolkit

The Center for Disease Control (CDC)’s Partner Vaccination Toolkit for early care and education providers is now LIVE! 

The Public Health Foundation (PHF), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and with input from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety (NCHBHS), National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), Pennsylvania State University Extension – Better Kid Care, and Child Care Aware of America, developed a toolkit for early care and education (ECE) providers as part of a series of toolkits being developed for CDC’s broader Let’s RISE (Routi​ne Immunizations on Schedule for Everyone​) playbook.

Early Care Education (ECE) providers and other childcare professionals are pivotal in supporting routine vaccinations and protecting children, families, and communities against vaccine-preventable diseases. In many ECE settings, up-to-date vaccination is a prerequisite for child enrollment. These programs are instrumental in fostering kindergarten readiness and aiding families in being up-to-date on their children’s vaccinations before the start of school to promote a healthy, conducive learning environment. As respected figures within their communities, ECE providers possess opportunities to engage and assist families in ensuring their young children are fully immunized on all Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended childhood vaccines, including the flu, COVID-19, and measles.

​This actionable toolkit has been curated to support ECE providers across various settings, including center-based childcare, family childcare, Head Start, or other early learning, early intervention, and preschool/pre-kindergarten programs delivered in schools, homes, or other settings. The toolkit contains evidence-based strategies, tools, and resources that can be used to communicate with families in helping protect children against vaccine-preventable diseases.​​

National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW)

April 22 – 29 is National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW). NIIW is a yearly observance that aims to highlight the importance of protecting children two years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Together, we can help raise awareness about the importance of infant immunizations and encourage parents and caregivers to talk their child’s doctor about staying up to date on their child’s vaccinations.

Disparities in routine childhood vaccination coverage levels have worsened since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic among children living in poverty and rural areas. A recent uptick in global and domestic measles cases and outbreaks underscore that under and unvaccinated children are at risk for serious illness.

In support of this week, CDC invites you to:

• Share their updated NIIW Promotional Resources with your networks
• Let others know about CDC’s Let’s RISE Initiative webpage. CDC’s resources can help partner organization and jurisdictions:

• Share Facts about routine vaccines, including that vaccines are safe
• Answer Frequently asked questions for routine immunizations
• Make strong vaccinate recommendations
• Know when and where to refer a child for free vaccines, and view the most up to date vaccine schedule
• Use CDC’s Milestone Tracker app, exam room developmental growth chart, and other free, parent-friendly Learn the Signs. Act Early. early child development resources to educate families in monitoring their children’s development from birth to age 5.

• Let others know about this new free Online Partner Vaccination Toolkit for early care and education providers

On-time vaccinations play a vital role protecting children and communities from serious diseases.

Thank you for your commitment to keeping infants and young children healthy and safe.