STRENGTHENING VACCINE-PREVENTABLE DISEASE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE - Project Abstract This proposal supports the comprehensive efforts of Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) to strengthen our vaccine-preventable disease prevention program and response within the city of Phoenix, Arizona for both children and adults. This project will improve vaccination coverage, increase vaccine coverage of underserved communities throughout the city, support robust data collection, and improve the county’s emergency response readiness. The initiatives proposed will address infrastructure, access, education, data, partnerships, and emergency preparedness. This proposal will empower MCDPH to hire staff and to collaborate with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to provide guidance and oversight to Vaccine for Children (VFC) providers, ensuring consistent implementation of federal guidelines throughout Phoenix. Vaccine access will expand through the recruitment of new VFC providers, increased enrollment of birthing hospitals into our vaccination programs, and maintenance of our perinatal hepatitis B program. To address vaccination equity, MCDPH will use data to identify underserved areas and implement tailored interventions, improving access to all residents in the county. MCDPH will continue to offer Vaccines for Adults (VFA) through our four clinics and mobile team. Our CARES contact center will work to refer adults to our resources or partners in their community. We will leverage insurance reimbursements to increase immunizations rates and improve vaccine access across the city. The project will promote vaccine confidence through educational outreach to counter vaccine hesitancy. Robust systems of data collection and management will be used to monitor performance, track adverse events, and assess school vaccination rates—ensuring accountability and informing program improvements. MCDPH will strengthen support for partners by fostering collaborations with healthcare systems, schools, and community organizations to broaden vaccine access and education. Vaccination response readiness will be improved through planning, exercises, and system enhancements to ensure efficient vaccine distribution during emergencies. Expected Outcomes: Increased vaccination coverage and access for children and adults throughout the city. Improved vaccine confidence and lowered hesitancy rates through community education and outreach. Enhanced emergency outbreak response Precise data collection and analysis on vaccine coverage and adverse events. Strengthened partnerships with both VFC and VFA providers. This initiative builds on MCDPH’s extensive experience managing immunization programs and leverages strategic partnerships to safeguard community health and resilience against vaccine-preventable diseases in Phoenix.
