Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to identify ways to build partnerships with community vaccinators

Background:
Misdistribution, vaccine delays and shortages occurring during the past few influenza seasons have forced consumers to increasingly look to alternative sites to receive influenza vaccinations. Mass vaccinators play a significant role in influenza vaccination. They are highly visible and have the ability to increase vaccination rates significantly. However, there are no formal training programs aimed at the practice of providing influenza vaccination available to these providers.

Setting:
Community clinics, public health clinics, state and local health departments

Population:
Community vaccinators, public health clinics, influenza providers

Project Description:
The “Mark of Excellence” program was designed to with two goals in mind; 1) to provide mass vaccinators, who deliver flu vaccine in non-traditional settings, both a 4-hour training and a site visit and 2) to increase consumers' confidence in flu clinics in alternative or outreach settings, encouraging more people to be vaccinated. Some of the topics covered during the training included influenza vaccine strains, hiring practices, vaccine administration and documentation, storage, handling and transportation of vaccine, etc.

Results/Lessons Learned:
Of the 20 agencies known to the Minnesota Department of Health, 8 chose to participate in the “Mark of Excellence” program, with 27 attendees at the first training class. Evaluations were very positive. Participants were provided with posters, buttons, and certificates to advertise their participation in the program. Mark of Excellence clinics were also designated as such on Minnesota's influenza web pages, and a press release regarding Mark of Excellence generated much interest from the general public.