Immunization Branch
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Texas Immunization Partnerships
Never doubt that a
small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world.
—Anthropologist, Margaret
Meade
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Description of Partnership Component
Partnerships is
part of the Services and Data Coordination Group within the Disease Prevention
and Intervention Section of the Texas Department of State Health Services
(DSHS). The primary responsibility of this component is to build sustainable
relationships through partners and to jointly work towards improving the
vaccination coverage levels of all Texans. Not only is the target to improve
vaccine coverage for infants and children ages 0-18, but to increase awareness
about the importance of vaccines for Texans across the lifespan. Raising the
level of immunity against vaccine preventable diseases continues to be a primary
strategic priority of the Commissioner of DSHS.
Mission
The mission of the
Partnerships component is to unite immunization stakeholders for improving
vaccination coverage rates across Texas.
Contact Person
Vivian.Harris@dshs.state.tx.us
Become a Partner
Immunization Partners of
DSHS aim to increase vaccination coverage levels for all Texans through
education/awareness and the promotion of the benefits of vaccines. Partners can
be members of community groups or collaborations, professional organizations and
or legislatively mandated to raise awareness amongst the populations they
serve.
Description of Partners
Partners working with
DSHS are identified as the following:
Informal Partners - These partners have
limited commitment of resources and activities. Their contribution could simply
be effective communication.
Semi-formal Partners - These partners have
an active relationship with DSHS but may have limited resources of commitment
and activities. They may also engage in a responsibility agreement or a
Memorandum of Understanding.
Formal Partners - These partners have a very
active relationship with DSHS and mutual commitment of resources and shared
ownership of activities. May collaborate on projects.
Technical Assistance
DSHS is
committed to offering technical assistance to partners interested in achieving
sustainable goals and practices that will raise vaccination coverage levels in
their community. Technical assistance can be provided in numerous ways to aide
the partner or organization in including effective immunization messages into
their strategic plans.
Best Practices
Partnerships at
the state and community level are an important tool in putting best practices
into action. There are many suggestions and complementary practices and projects
that support increasing vaccination coverage rates, however it is proven time
and time again that sustainable measures that raise levels are effective when
they are supported by the following nationally recognized best practices:
- Promoting a Medical Home
- Reminder Recall Systems
- Use of an immunization registry
- Public/Parent and Provider Education
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