Immunization Assessment & Promotion

The Immunization Assessment and Promotion program at Spokane Regional Health District is dedicated to scientifically sound, evidence-based information and services for the community about vaccines and the diseases they prevent. The program does not receive any funds from pharmaceutical companies or other for-profit companies.  

Staff hold integrity and respect as the program’s highest values and understand the importance of compassion and collaboration in health care decisions. Positive support for vaccines creates a productive dialogue when the community can access a trusted resource locally. These conversations and accurate information help parents, caregivers, and other community members make informed decisions about vaccines. Spokane Regional Health District professionals would not recommend vaccination if it was not safe.

Vaccine-preventable diseases, including influenza and pneumonia, continue to be a leading cause of death in the United States. And, while not circulating at high levels in the Spokane community, diseases preventable through vaccination are making a comeback with recent mumps outbreaks and measles cases. Vaccines are not just for children--it is important that all individuals stay current on all vaccines throughout life. One out of three people who contracted chickenpox as a child will develop very painful shingles in life. Receiving the shingles vaccine at age 50 and older, when the immune system begins to weaken, greatly reduces the negative effects of shingles.

The Immunization Assessment and Promotion program works closely with community partners and healthcare providers to reduce barriers to immunization services and provide education for informed decision making. Overcoming these barriers, such as vaccine supply and access, provides families and individuals the opportunity to protect themselves against diseases.

Examples of activities include local vaccine supply oversight and monitoring for Vaccines for Children (VFC) providers, community immunization events, medical office-based quality improvement projects, and vaccinator training programs.

The work of this program is important because the partnerships formed, and the activities implemented help guide community efforts to increase immunization uptake, reduce vaccine-preventable diseases through community immunity (herd immunity) and protection of vulnerable populations unable to vaccinate due to various medical conditions.

Funding

Vaccine supply oversight activities (vaccine accountability) in this program are funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through a contract from Washington State Department of Health (DOH).

Immunization Assessment and Promotion activities are funded through state funds (Foundational Public Health Services), local public health funds and granting organizations like the Group Health Foundation.

The Immunization Assessment and Promotion program works closely with pediatric and family practice medical offices, pharmacies, school districts, non-profit organizations like Within Reach, and the students and professors of professional training colleges at Washington State University, Gonzaga University and the University of Washington Medical School to carry out its mission.

Generally, families have a regular healthcare provider where children receive their routine vaccinations. For families who are new to the area or don't have an established medical home, here are some clinics that accept walk-ins for childhood vaccinations (without having to establish a provider relationship): 

• Mt Spokane Pediatrics (2 locations) 509.270.0065
• CHAS (Only if child has exclusion letter from school - bring letter) 509.444.8200
• Providence House of Charity Clinic (Call ahead to make arrangements) 509.624.7821