California Immunization Coalition: Merging Into a Lifespan Coalition

Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation the participants will be able to:
1. List three benefits of a lifespan coalition
2. Describe three issues to consider when defining a new coalition's structure
3. Describe at least four current issues facing immunization coalitions

Background:
For many years two statewide immunization coalitions served California's communities. One focused on adults, California Adult Immunization Coalition (CAIC), and the other focused mainly on infants and children, California Coalition for Childhood Immunization (C3I). In 2007, the two coalitions merged to form the California Immunization Coalition, which promotes and works for immunizations across the lifespan. The decision to merge reflected increased awareness on adolescent and adult immunizations, scarce resources, a desire to minimize duplication, and the need to maximize the effective impact of efforts to increase immunization rates for all Californians.

Setting:
The state of California, particularly local communities

Population:
California's local immunization coalitions, health departments, and other partners such as private and public agencies, service groups, families, providers, and educators

Project Description:
Following a series of discussions and considerable work by the Boards of both coalitions, a new constitution and by-laws were developed, and members of both coalitions were elected to a consolidated BOD. In October 2007 the new comprehensive CIC was approved by both the CAIC and C3I. The merged coalition provides and supports the education, networking, policies and advocacy necessary to advance immunization for all Californians.

Results/Lessons Learned:
The success of this merged coalition reflects the talent and commitment of a talented board and a diversified membership. A combined organization benefits immunization stakeholders by minimizing duplication, maximizing scarce resources, focusing on the whole community, and providing one voice for immunization in California.