In each issue of the Epigram, authors introduce readers to a member of the health district's Disease Prevention and Response team. In this issue, Kari Lidbeck, Immunization Community Network Specialist, is featured. Lidbeck works in the Immunization Assessment and Promotion program, where she focuses on increasing immunization rates in birth to kindergarten-age children and community immunization services.

Multiple continuing education opportunities are coming soon! April 25 - National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) offers a free webinar on Strategies for Overcoming Barriers to Healthcare Personnel Immunization. May 22 - VaxExpo at CenterPlace Event Center in Spokane Valley. Coming Soon - Free e-learning course on Communicating with Parents about Vaccines.

Recognizing the need to bring health messaging to the community in various languages, SRHD Immunization Assessment & Promotion program developed culturally competent, ethnically diverse fliers and posters in multiple languages that promote routine childhood immunizations.

It is important to recognize and remember that all parents want to do what is best for their children. While each family is different, and not all methods of communicating will work for every parent or healthcare provider, important communication strategies exist to reassure families of vaccine safety.

From Jan. 1, 2019 through April 4, 2019, over 465 individual cases of measles have been confirmed in 12 states, already surpassing the entire years’ totals for seven of the last nine years. Public health is asking for healthcare providers’ help to ensure all patients are up to date on their MMR vaccinations. Parents trust the expertise of their doctor more than anyone else. Explain to patients that MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles infection.

New tools support school administrators and in addressing increase in youth vaping.

Very low risk of spread to others; potentially affected families notified.

Meningitis prevention, transmission and treatment information.

​Benjamin Franklin said it best, but unfortunately, there is a subset of individuals in Spokane County who are living it, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Some people in our community are not prepared for measles.

Benjamin Franklin said it best, but unfortunately, there is a subset of individuals in Spokane County who are living it, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Some people in our community are not prepared for measles.