BACKGROUND:
In an earlier study, the authors identified an evolving body of public health research that recognizes several strategies that states can implement to increase childhood immunity from vaccine-preventable diseases including the development of public-private coalitions to promote immunization. These coalitions are most likely to be effective when they work with and through citizen coalitions at the local level.

OBJECTIVE:
This research describes how state immunization program managers perceive the impact and importance of immunization toward attaining the goal of full childhood immunization. Moreover, we provide a description of the groups with whom state immunization programs partner to generate community support for the goal of full immunization.

METHOD:
The authors collected data from a 50-state telephone survey of state immunization program managers administered in April and May, 2003. All 50 states participated in the interview process.

RESULT:
Our findings suggest officials in state immunization program officials find immunization coalitions to be an effective means of creating a broader community that seeks to reduce barriers to full immunization. Moreover, the configuration of coalitions varies significantly across states, which is, in part, a function of state immunization program administrative capacity.

CONCLUSION:
State immunization program officials recognize the impact and importance of building a broader community to reduce barriers to childhood immunization. We recommend that states establish more effective interdepartmental cooperation and partnerships with private and non-profit sector organizations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Conference participants will learn more about the nature, development, and breadth of state-level immunization coalitions, and what state program managers think about the impact and effectiveness of these programs. Immunization coalitions are a fundamental step in the process of building community support for the goal of full childhood immunization. Practical advice regarding the management of coalition networks will also be discussed.