BACKGROUND:
Childhood immunization coverage rates have achieved all-time highs in recent years, but adult immunization coverage rates continue to lag behind. Low vaccination rates among adults have led to a large burden of vaccine-preventable disease within this population, and staggering numbers of unnecessary deaths. These facts are generally well understood within the public health community, but may not be as well understood by public officials, legislators, or the general public. The recent influenza vaccine shortage increased awareness of this issue, and state health agencies may wish to use this opportunity to educate individuals about the importance of adult immunization.

OBJECTIVE:
To develop a resource tool that can be used to educate public officials, legislators, and the general public about adult immunization.

METHOD:
Interviews with state health agencies, public health organizations, and federal officials; literature and website review.

RESULT:
Information was gathered on the critical aspects of state adult immunization programs, and the challenges states face in sustaining them. The information was synthesized into brief documents describing the primary areas of focus within adult immunization. The documents can be distributed individually or as a comprehensive packet to educate and provide an argument for the importance of adult immunization.

CONCLUSION:
This resource makes a compelling case for adult immunization and serves as a tool for immunization stakeholders to use in educating public officials, legislators, and the general public about the importance of establishing and maintaining an effective adult immunization program nationally and within each state.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
After the session, participants will understand: 1) the challenges associated with adult immunization; 2) some of the ways to effectively communicate the importance of adult immunization to state and federal legislators; and, 3) how this resource tool can be used in the education process.