OUR MISSION
In cooperation with the state organization "Vaccinate Alaska Coalition", Mat-Su Vaccine Coalition's mission is to increase the immunization coverage of all Alaskans through positive immunization promotion campaigns and increased public and provider participation in immunization activities. This mission is to be made up of private health care providers, community service organizations, and concerned citizens within the Mat-Su Region.
OUR VALUES
Collaboration, Education, Primary Prevention
OUR BACKGROUND
In efforts to fulfill our objective the Vaccine Coalition has provided coordinated immunization work projects, cooperated in local and regional Flu and H1N1 education and mass dispensing events, and cooperates with the Alaska State Vaccine Coalition. A seasonal newsletter and this website are available to coalition participants and the public as avenues of education and support. As we are involved with such efforts we recognize that it necessitates working together to be successful to meet the challenge.
OUR CHALLENGE
With Alaska childhood vaccination rates (for children 19-35 months of age) below 65%, we will continue to see effect of infectious diseases such as whooping cough, chickenpox, and measles. The result is the hospitalization of seriously ill children who have potential for life altering disability and even death.
"Maintenance of high vaccination coverage levels in early childhood is the best way to prevent the spread of vaccine preventable diseases in childhood and to provide the foundation for controlling VPDs among adults." Healthy People 2010.
This Healthy People 2010 report also notes that 80-90% coverage level for the patient population is optimum. The Mat-Su Vaccine Coalition aims to get there.
WORKING TOGETHER IS THE KEY
Coalition organization and strength provides more efficient communication, access, service capabilities, support (education and clinical/practical) to maintain a health community and avoid vaccine preventable diseases.
