KEYWORDS:
Adult, Immunizations, Community Building, Coalitions

BACKGROUND:
Most adults realize that immunizations play an important role in keeping infants and children healthy. However, developing effective methods to educate adults about their need to be immunized has proven to be a challenge for many communities.

OBJECTIVE(S):
To highlight innovative strategies to promote adult immunizations.

METHOD(S):
The adult immunization initiatives developed by Project Immunization Virginia will be presented. The innovative initiatives that will be highlighted include: 1) Wellness Baskets to media outlets; 2) collaborating with a celebrity spokesperson; 3) Vaccinate and Vote campaign; and 4) strategic partnering with Quality Improvement Organizations and the Lung Association.

RESULT(S):
The strengths and weaknesses of each initiative will be discussed.

CONCLUSIONS(S):
Utilizing a community-based partnership to direct community-focused awareness activities to promote adult immunizations can galvanize and mobilize non-traditional partners to participate in public awareness and community outreach programs.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Attendees will become knowledgeable about: 1) different strategies that can be replicated to promote the standards of adult immunizations; 2) how to involve community partners to promote adult immunizations; and 3) where to obtain resources for promoting adult immunizations.