Join us virtually this September for the Northwest Immunization Conference 2025
September 16th - October 1st
Registration now Open!
Learn more about NWIC2025 in our community platform
Questions? Email us at [email protected]
Registration Now Open
Overview
The Northwest Immunization Conference (NWIC) is an annual event bringing together local, regional, and national specialists to learn the latest information on immunizations and vaccine issues impacting health care practices. The curriculum is designed for a diverse field of health professionals, including immunization providers, public health advocates, epidemiologists, students of nursing and medical professions, and program managers seeking a comprehensive knowledge of immunizations.
workshop & Training Topics
- Strategies to address vaccine hesistancy
- Focus on vaccine access & health equity
- Reviewing vaccine-specific updates
- Educational workshops
- Clinical skill building training
NWIC 2025: A wilde Ride of Prevention conference Agenda
Conference Presentations and Slides will be posted on the Immunize Oregon community platform once available.
Contact Molly Sax ([email protected]) with any questions or concerns.
September 16th
Noon – 1:00 pm
NWIC 2025: Building Vaccine Confidence in the Clinic
with Dr. Ryan Hassan
Vaccine hesitancy continues to pose a significant challenge in clinical settings, often rooted in mistrust, disinformation, and past negative experiences with healthcare. This presentation addresses the need for effective, empathetic communication strategies to support vaccine confidence and improve health outcomes. Drawing on the principles of motivational interviewing (MI), participants will learn practical strategies for creating a therapeutic space, building rapport, and engaging patients and families in collaborative vaccine conversations. This approach supports providers in guiding rather than convincing or persuading, fostering trust and strengthening vaccine acceptance in clinical practice.
September 17th
Noon – 1:00 pm
Native Boost And VacciNative: Culturally Grounded Vaccine Education From The Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board
with Dr. LaKota Scott
This session highlights two public health education initiatives — Native Boost and VacciNative — developed by the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) to promote vaccine confidence and deliver culturally resonant education to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. Native Boost focuses on childhood vaccination education, providing accurate, high-quality materials tailored to Native families, educators, and their healthcare providers. The project supports informed decision-making by honoring Indigenous values, traditions, and ways of knowing. VacciNative, led by NPAIHB’s Northwest Tribal Epidemiology Center (NWTEC), is a national campaign designed to help Native adults make informed decisions about vaccines. Developed in collaboration with other Tribal Epidemiology Centers, trusted Elders, and Native health professionals, VacciNative equips health educators and providers with culturally grounded resources to guide meaningful conversations with AI/AN clients. Together, these projects demonstrate the impact of community-led, culturally centered education in enhancing public health and promoting health sovereignty throughout Indian Country.
September 18th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
School Rules! An overview of recent changes in Oregon school immunizations
The world of school immunizations is a complicated and changing landscape, and Oregon is no exception. This presentation will highlight what you need to know for the upcoming school year, including: 1) three major changes to the school immunization administrative rules; 2) exciting updates to OIP’s public reporting of statewide, county and school-level immunization and exemption data; and 3) review the current status of the ALERT IIS Replacement Project school component. After this presentation, Oregon’s public health community will have the most up-to-date school immunization information and access to new tools to help communicate disease risk and community immunity status. This knowledge and information will support collaborative efforts with schools, child care programs, and families.
September 19th
Noon – 1:00 pm
Utilizing Vaccination During Pregnancy to Enhance Maternal and Infant Immunity
With Dr. Alisa Kachikis
Pregnancy presents a unique period of time in which vaccines can benefit both the pregnant person and the infant via transfer of maternal immunity to the growing fetus. This talk will explore the critical role of vaccinations during pregnancy, particularly in the context of recent respiratory virus seasons. We will begin with an overview of maternal immunizations and then shift to focus on currently recommended vaccinations during pregnancy including safety and efficacy data and updates. The talk will end by discussing potential future directions in maternal immunizations.
September 22nd
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Related Head And Neck Cancer With Dr. Sunshine Dwojak
& Partnering For Prevention: A Unique Way To Engage Parents In HPV Vaccination For Their Kids With Sherry Carlson
This talk with give an overview of HPV-related head and neck cancer. We will review epidemiology and current trends. Then we will review the clinical aspects of HPV related head and neck cancer. Finally, we will discuss primary prevention.
Mounting research shows that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is most effective when given between 9-12 years old. In 2023, Washington State Department of Health shifted the routine age of HPV vaccination series to age nine instead of 11. The intent of this project was to increase the number of 9–10-year-olds who initiated the HPV vaccine series by sending out special reminder recall letter to parents and caregivers. One month after the mailing was sent out, data from the intervention showed a 14% higher likelihood of a participant getting an HPV vaccination if mailed a letter compared to those who did not. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of an innovative reminder recall strategy by reaching parents and caregivers through a trusted messenger and thus increasing the number of 9-10-year-olds with at least one dose of HPV vaccine.
September 24th
11:00 am – Noon
The State of Vaccines in Oregon
with Dr. Dean Sidelinger & Rex Larsen
An update on immunization rates in Oregon. The latest rates for childhood, adolescent, and adult vaccination in Oregon, as well as what the trends might indicate and what can be expected for the coming year. Additionally an update on critical immunization metrics That might impact clinics, Local Public Health Authorities, and the health system.
September 25th
11:00 am – Noon
The Vaccine Integrity Project: Overview and Outlook
With Dr. Bruce Gellin
CIDRAP’s Vaccine Integrity Project is an initiative dedicated to safeguarding vaccine use in the U.S. so that it remains grounded in the best available science, free from external influence, and focused on optimizing protection of individuals, families, and communities against vaccine-preventable diseases. This presentation will cover the origins of the project, timeline of activities thus far, including the action-prompting signals along the way, and what the VIP has planned for the immediate and long-term future.
September 29th
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Viral Hepatitis in Oregon, 2025 With Dr. Shannon O’Brien
& Perspectives from a Community Based Model to Fight Hep B With Richard So
Presentation on the epidemiology of viral hepatitis in Oregon, with a focus on Hepatitis B. Oregon has high morbidity and mortality from hepatitis. Reviewing the current data on epidemiologic trends and immunization practices is critical to improving outcomes across the state. We will also review current clinical guidance, especially as it relates to Hepatitis B.
&
Describes the work Hep B Free is doing to fight hepatitis B including promoting vaccination for hepatitis B. Describes the achievements and challenges. Describes how physicians, pharmacists and other providers can help in advocacy and vaccination.
September 30th
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
The Gift that keeps on Giving: HPV Vaccination
with Dr. Linda Eckert
We have all heard that HPV vaccination prevents cancer – but do we understand how and why? And also – how do we feel about or address some of the misinformation we hear? How do we know what to believe? This talk will dispel myths and confusion by offering relatable accurate information combined with real world stories about the power and safety of this vaccine. As the author of “Enough: Because We Can Stop Cervical Cancer”, I will also share about why an Obstetrician/Gynecologist who has spent 30+years offering patient care wanted to write a book that combines powerful stories of women with cervical cancer from all over the world with information written in everyday language to try to help end cervical cancer (and other HPV cancers).
October 1st
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Single Dose HPV Vaccine Effectiveness in Oregon
with Steve Robison
As of 2025, 67 countries have followed WHO guidelines and shifted to a single dose HPV vaccine recommendation. In the U.S., as of June of 2025, the issue is being hotly discussed. While HPV vaccine has been widely studied, there is still a lack of high-quality U.S. studies of single dose effectiveness over long time periods. This presentation is about an Oregon study assessing single and multiple HPV vaccine doses for adolescents on later development of cervical precancers, following the study population for up to 19 years.
NWIC 2025: A wilde Ride of Prevention conference Agenda
Conference Presentations and Slides will be posted on the Immunize Oregon community platform once available.
Contact Molly Sax ([email protected]) with any questions or concerns.
September 16th
Noon – 1:00 pm
NWIC 2025: Building Vaccine Confidence in the Clinic
with Dr. Ryan Hassan
Vaccine hesitancy continues to pose a significant challenge in clinical settings, often rooted in mistrust, disinformation, and past negative experiences with healthcare. This presentation addresses the need for effective, empathetic communication strategies to support vaccine confidence and improve health outcomes. Drawing on the principles of motivational interviewing (MI), participants will learn practical strategies for creating a therapeutic space, building rapport, and engaging patients and families in collaborative vaccine conversations. This approach supports providers in guiding rather than convincing or persuading, fostering trust and strengthening vaccine acceptance in clinical practice.
September 17th
Noon – 1:00 pm
Native Boost And VacciNative: Culturally Grounded Vaccine Education From The Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board
with Dr. LaKota Scott
This session highlights two public health education initiatives — Native Boost and VacciNative — developed by the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) to promote vaccine confidence and deliver culturally resonant education to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. Native Boost focuses on childhood vaccination education, providing accurate, high-quality materials tailored to Native families, educators, and their healthcare providers. The project supports informed decision-making by honoring Indigenous values, traditions, and ways of knowing. VacciNative, led by NPAIHB’s Northwest Tribal Epidemiology Center (NWTEC), is a national campaign designed to help Native adults make informed decisions about vaccines. Developed in collaboration with other Tribal Epidemiology Centers, trusted Elders, and Native health professionals, VacciNative equips health educators and providers with culturally grounded resources to guide meaningful conversations with AI/AN clients. Together, these projects demonstrate the impact of community-led, culturally centered education in enhancing public health and promoting health sovereignty throughout Indian Country.
September 18th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
School Rules! An overview of recent changes in Oregon school immunizations
The world of school immunizations is a complicated and changing landscape, and Oregon is no exception. This presentation will highlight what you need to know for the upcoming school year, including: 1) three major changes to the school immunization administrative rules; 2) exciting updates to OIP’s public reporting of statewide, county and school-level immunization and exemption data; and 3) review the current status of the ALERT IIS Replacement Project school component. After this presentation, Oregon’s public health community will have the most up-to-date school immunization information and access to new tools to help communicate disease risk and community immunity status. This knowledge and information will support collaborative efforts with schools, child care programs, and families.
September 19th
Noon – 1:00 pm
Utilizing Vaccination During Pregnancy to Enhance Maternal and Infant Immunity
With Dr. Alisa Kachikis
Pregnancy presents a unique period of time in which vaccines can benefit both the pregnant person and the infant via transfer of maternal immunity to the growing fetus. This talk will explore the critical role of vaccinations during pregnancy, particularly in the context of recent respiratory virus seasons. We will begin with an overview of maternal immunizations and then shift to focus on currently recommended vaccinations during pregnancy including safety and efficacy data and updates. The talk will end by discussing potential future directions in maternal immunizations.
September 22nd
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Related Head And Neck Cancer With Dr. Sunshine Dwojak
& Partnering For Prevention: A Unique Way To Engage Parents In HPV Vaccination For Their Kids With Sherry Carlson
This talk with give an overview of HPV-related head and neck cancer. We will review epidemiology and current trends. Then we will review the clinical aspects of HPV related head and neck cancer. Finally, we will discuss primary prevention.
Mounting research shows that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is most effective when given between 9-12 years old. In 2023, Washington State Department of Health shifted the routine age of HPV vaccination series to age nine instead of 11. The intent of this project was to increase the number of 9–10-year-olds who initiated the HPV vaccine series by sending out special reminder recall letter to parents and caregivers. One month after the mailing was sent out, data from the intervention showed a 14% higher likelihood of a participant getting an HPV vaccination if mailed a letter compared to those who did not. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of an innovative reminder recall strategy by reaching parents and caregivers through a trusted messenger and thus increasing the number of 9-10-year-olds with at least one dose of HPV vaccine.
September 24th
11:00 am – Noon
The State of Vaccines in Oregon
with Dr. Dean Sidelinger & Rex Larsen
An update on immunization rates in Oregon. The latest rates for childhood, adolescent, and adult vaccination in Oregon, as well as what the trends might indicate and what can be expected for the coming year. Additionally an update on critical immunization metrics That might impact clinics, Local Public Health Authorities, and the health system.
September 25th
11:00 am – Noon
The Vaccine Integrity Project: Overview and Outlook
With Dr. Bruce Gellin
CIDRAP’s Vaccine Integrity Project is an initiative dedicated to safeguarding vaccine use in the U.S. so that it remains grounded in the best available science, free from external influence, and focused on optimizing protection of individuals, families, and communities against vaccine-preventable diseases. This presentation will cover the origins of the project, timeline of activities thus far, including the action-prompting signals along the way, and what the VIP has planned for the immediate and long-term future.
September 29th
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Viral Hepatitis in Oregon, 2025 With Dr. Shannon O’Brien
& Perspectives from a Community Based Model to Fight Hep B With Richard So
Presentation on the epidemiology of viral hepatitis in Oregon, with a focus on Hepatitis B. Oregon has high morbidity and mortality from hepatitis. Reviewing the current data on epidemiologic trends and immunization practices is critical to improving outcomes across the state. We will also review current clinical guidance, especially as it relates to Hepatitis B.
&
Describes the work Hep B Free is doing to fight hepatitis B including promoting vaccination for hepatitis B. Describes the achievements and challenges. Describes how physicians, pharmacists and other providers can help in advocacy and vaccination.
September 30th
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
The Gift that keeps on Giving: HPV Vaccination
with Dr. Linda Eckert
We have all heard that HPV vaccination prevents cancer – but do we understand how and why? And also – how do we feel about or address some of the misinformation we hear? How do we know what to believe? This talk will dispel myths and confusion by offering relatable accurate information combined with real world stories about the power and safety of this vaccine. As the author of “Enough: Because We Can Stop Cervical Cancer”, I will also share about why an Obstetrician/Gynecologist who has spent 30+years offering patient care wanted to write a book that combines powerful stories of women with cervical cancer from all over the world with information written in everyday language to try to help end cervical cancer (and other HPV cancers).
October 1st
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Single Dose HPV Vaccine Effectiveness in Oregon
with Steve Robison
As of 2025, 67 countries have followed WHO guidelines and shifted to a single dose HPV vaccine recommendation. In the U.S., as of June of 2025, the issue is being hotly discussed. While HPV vaccine has been widely studied, there is still a lack of high-quality U.S. studies of single dose effectiveness over long time periods. This presentation is about an Oregon study assessing single and multiple HPV vaccine doses for adolescents on later development of cervical precancers, following the study population for up to 19 years.
