BACKGROUND:
California Department of Health Services (DHS) and California Coalition for Childhood Immunization (C3I) annually coordinate a statewide media campaign during National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW). This year, the National Immunization Program (NIP) will work with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to promote “Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA)” during NIIW. With activities throughout the Western Hemisphere, one goal of this Week will be to project the U.S.-Mexico Border as a model for binational collaboration. San Diego will be one of two communities showcasing this border effort, and the Immunization Program was asked to plan an appropriate campaign and design events to promote both the importance of infant immunization and the value of cross-border partnerships.

OBJECTIVE:
Describe the process of collaboration and partnership development and the activities and accommodations required to blend the needs of the State DHS, C3I, the U.S.- Mexico Office of Border Health and the NIP in order to develop a successful campaign.

METHOD:
NIIW planning was expanded to include NIP and Public Health representatives from Tijuana, Baja California. The Immunization Program worked with DHS and C3I on revision of State core messages and educational materials to ensure that they were appropriate for a binational effort. Issues of cross-border technology were researched. New partners were recruited and existing partnerships expanded.

RESULT:
San Diego/Tijuana events planned for NIIW/VWA include binational provider forums and community media events featuring young children on both sides of the border. Both provider and community events will utilize communications technology enabling both nations to share experiences and messages.

CONCLUSION:
Immunization messages and educational campaigns can be shared across borders in spite of the differences in structure of immunization programs.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Describe the background and rationale for “Vaccination Week in the Americas.”
Understand elements of State, national and international campaigns and issues involved in blending these efforts into a coherent whole.