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 2026: Passport to Protection
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
NWIC2026 opening and The State of Vaccines in Oregon
with Molly Sax, Immunize Oregon and Dr. Howard Chiou, Oregon Health Authority
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 10th
Every Interaction Matters: Practical Strategies to Strengthen Vaccine Confidence and Uptake
JuliAnn Stanis DNP, RNC-MNN, IBCLC, CNE
Vaccine hesitancy and inconsistent vaccination uptake continue to challenge public health efforts, contributing to the re-emergence of vaccine-preventable diseases. Frontline healthcare teams are uniquely positioned to influence vaccine decisions; however, variation in knowledge, communication styles, and role clarity can result in missed opportunities to build confidence and support informed decision-making. There is a need for accessible, practical strategies that equip all members of the care team to engage effectively in vaccine conversations.
This session focuses on foundational concepts and applied communication strategies to strengthen vaccine confidence across clinical settings. Participants will explore how infections spread, the concept of herd immunity, and common myths and facts surrounding vaccines to build a shared understanding of why vaccination matters. The session emphasizes team-based messaging, highlighting how consistent, aligned communication from all staff—medical assistants, nurses, and providers—can shape patient perceptions and normalize vaccination as a standard of care. Attendees will practice using presumptive language to deliver strong recommendations within their scope and apply principles of Motivational Interviewing to respond to hesitancy in a respectful, patient-centered manner.
For public health, strengthening the communication skills of frontline healthcare teams represents a scalable and sustainable approach to improving vaccine uptake and reducing the burden of preventable disease. By equipping participants with practical tools that can be immediately integrated into everyday interactions, this session supports the development of vaccine-supportive clinical environments. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to enhance their role in promoting vaccination and contributing to improved community health outcomes.
September
Trusted Messengers Program
Health Care Providers as Trusted Messengers
Explore Why, in an age of increasing skepticism and declining institutional trust local health care providers are still the most trusted messengers, why good communication is essential to good healthcare, and what you can do and say to maximize that trust and help turn the tide.
September
Multilevel Peer-to-Peer HPV Vaccination and Wellness Educational Program in School Based Health Centers (PEER)
With Amanda Petrik, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research
Alexandra Lowell, School Based Health Centers, Multnomah County Health Center
Jennifer Schneider, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research
Jennifer Rivelli, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research
Jamie Thompson, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research
Blake Locher, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research
Hannah Smith, Oregon School Based Health Alliance
HPV vaccination uptake remains far below national targets, and many adolescents are not vaccinated by the recommended age of 13. School-based health centers (SBHCs) offer critical access to preventive care for medically underserved youth, yet student use of SBHC services remains low. Multilevel, collaborative interventions are needed to increase SBHC utilization and improve HPV vaccination rates. The PEER project uses Peer‑to‑Peer education and community‑engaged approaches to strengthen partnerships between SBHCs and schools, expand access to care, and promote healthy behaviors. PEER delivers tailored messaging for adolescents and caregivers and is testing student-, patient-, provider-, and school-level strategies to increase SBHC use and HPV vaccine uptake. This panel will present the PEER project’s design and early findings, including insights from school staff and SBHC clinicians, results from patient-centered co‑design sessions, and lessons learned from delivering Peer‑to‑Peer education in high schools.
1) Design of the PEER Project (Amanda Petrik and Alexandra Lowell): Overview of PEER’s development, community-engaged planning, and intervention design led by scientists, clinicians, and CBO partners. We will highlight how collaborative input (with SBHCs) shaped the multilevel intervention aimed at increasing SBHC use and reducing HPV‑associated cancers.
2) Perspectives from School Health Teachers and School Based Health Center Staff (Jennifer Schneider): Findings from 28 interviews with clinic leads and health teachers describing school context, existing HPV education practices, SBHC–school partnerships, and feedback on proposed intervention components. These insights informed refinements to PEER’s multilevel strategies.
3) Co-designing the PEER intervention with Teens and Caregivers (Jamie Thompson and/or Jennifer Rivelli): Application of the Listen‑Empower‑Co‑Create framework to engage youth and caregivers (English and Spanish) in identifying barriers and shaping culturally relevant materials, including youth HPV information sheets, social media content, parent letters, and provider talking points.
4) The development and delivery of Peer-to-Peer sessions in high schools in Oregon (Hannah Smith and Blake Locher): Description of the collaborative process for creating and presenting Peer‑to‑Peer education in six Portland high schools, including cross‑organizational coordination, session content, and lessons learned from implementation.
September
Understanding Vaccine Attitudes in Oregon: New Polling Data, Emerging Trends, and Implications for Clinical Practice
With Meg Olson, Oregon Families for Vaccines and Alanna Braun, MD FAAP
For the first time since before the pandemic and the installation of vaccine-skeptic RFK Jr. at the Department of Health and Human Services, we have updated statewide polling data examining Oregon voters current attitudes towards vaccines. Meg Olson, Director of Oregon Families for Vaccines, will present the findings of this newly collected data and what it reflects about who is shaping these attitudes, where families place their trust, and how the pandemic and federal influences have impacted these views over time. The presentation will explore some demographic and geographic trends, identify rates of vaccine confidence and hesitancy, and highlight areas where public understanding diverges from scientific consensus.
Building on these findings, Dr. Alanna Braun, pediatrician, Oregon Pediatric Society Advocacy Chair, and Oregon Families for Vaccines Steering Committee Member, will discuss the practical implications for healthcare providers and immunization advocates. Drawing connections between polling data and clinical experience, she will examine how evolving public attitudes can inform patient communication strategies, strengthen trust-based conversations, and support more effective vaccine counseling. Attendees will gain insights into how providers can address common concerns, tailor messaging to individual patient needs, and respond to emerging trends in vaccine perceptions across Oregon communities.
This session will equip participants with data-driven insights and practical tools to strengthen vaccine conversations and support informed decision-making among patients and families.
September
NWIC 2026: Building Vaccine Confidence in the Clinic
with Dr. Ryan Hassan
1. Vaccine hesitance is on the rise and outbreaks are following, and clinicians don’t always have the tools to build confidence in vaccines in clinic visits.
2. Unvaccinated patients increase risk for our patients and communities, and conversations about vaccines can increase burnout and create rifts in relationships.
September
Travel Vaccines
With Tobias Pusch, MD Infectious Disease Specialist
September
Infodemiology
With Jessica Malaty Rivera
September
Cervical Cancer Elimination: How Do We Address the Gaps?
With Dr. Linda Eckert
& NWIC2026 closing and raffle with Molly Sax Immunize Oregon
Moving toward cervical cancer elimination requires that all with a cervix have access to the amazing cervical cancer prevention and treatment tools available. How do we get that to happen?
NWIC 2026: Passport to Protection
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
NWIC2026 opening and The State of Vaccines in Oregon
with Molly Sax, Immunize Oregon and Dr. Howard Chiou, Oregon Health Authority
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 10th
Every Interaction Matters: Practical Strategies to Strengthen Vaccine Confidence and Uptake
JuliAnn Stanis DNP, RNC-MNN, IBCLC, CNE
Vaccine hesitancy and inconsistent vaccination uptake continue to challenge public health efforts, contributing to the re-emergence of vaccine-preventable diseases. Frontline healthcare teams are uniquely positioned to influence vaccine decisions; however, variation in knowledge, communication styles, and role clarity can result in missed opportunities to build confidence and support informed decision-making. There is a need for accessible, practical strategies that equip all members of the care team to engage effectively in vaccine conversations.
This session focuses on foundational concepts and applied communication strategies to strengthen vaccine confidence across clinical settings. Participants will explore how infections spread, the concept of herd immunity, and common myths and facts surrounding vaccines to build a shared understanding of why vaccination matters. The session emphasizes team-based messaging, highlighting how consistent, aligned communication from all staff—medical assistants, nurses, and providers—can shape patient perceptions and normalize vaccination as a standard of care. Attendees will practice using presumptive language to deliver strong recommendations within their scope and apply principles of Motivational Interviewing to respond to hesitancy in a respectful, patient-centered manner.
For public health, strengthening the communication skills of frontline healthcare teams represents a scalable and sustainable approach to improving vaccine uptake and reducing the burden of preventable disease. By equipping participants with practical tools that can be immediately integrated into everyday interactions, this session supports the development of vaccine-supportive clinical environments. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to enhance their role in promoting vaccination and contributing to improved community health outcomes.
September
Trusted Messengers Program
Health Care Providers as Trusted Messengers
Explore Why, in an age of increasing skepticism and declining institutional trust local health care providers are still the most trusted messengers, why good communication is essential to good healthcare, and what you can do and say to maximize that trust and help turn the tide.
September
Multilevel Peer-to-Peer HPV Vaccination and Wellness Educational Program in School Based Health Centers (PEER)
With Amanda Petrik, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research
Alexandra Lowell, School Based Health Centers, Multnomah County Health Center
Jennifer Schneider, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research
Jennifer Rivelli, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research
Jamie Thompson, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research
Blake Locher, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research
Hannah Smith, Oregon School Based Health Alliance
HPV vaccination uptake remains far below national targets, and many adolescents are not vaccinated by the recommended age of 13. School-based health centers (SBHCs) offer critical access to preventive care for medically underserved youth, yet student use of SBHC services remains low. Multilevel, collaborative interventions are needed to increase SBHC utilization and improve HPV vaccination rates. The PEER project uses Peer‑to‑Peer education and community‑engaged approaches to strengthen partnerships between SBHCs and schools, expand access to care, and promote healthy behaviors. PEER delivers tailored messaging for adolescents and caregivers and is testing student-, patient-, provider-, and school-level strategies to increase SBHC use and HPV vaccine uptake. This panel will present the PEER project’s design and early findings, including insights from school staff and SBHC clinicians, results from patient-centered co‑design sessions, and lessons learned from delivering Peer‑to‑Peer education in high schools.
1) Design of the PEER Project (Amanda Petrik and Alexandra Lowell): Overview of PEER’s development, community-engaged planning, and intervention design led by scientists, clinicians, and CBO partners. We will highlight how collaborative input (with SBHCs) shaped the multilevel intervention aimed at increasing SBHC use and reducing HPV‑associated cancers.
2) Perspectives from School Health Teachers and School Based Health Center Staff (Jennifer Schneider): Findings from 28 interviews with clinic leads and health teachers describing school context, existing HPV education practices, SBHC–school partnerships, and feedback on proposed intervention components. These insights informed refinements to PEER’s multilevel strategies.
3) Co-designing the PEER intervention with Teens and Caregivers (Jamie Thompson and/or Jennifer Rivelli): Application of the Listen‑Empower‑Co‑Create framework to engage youth and caregivers (English and Spanish) in identifying barriers and shaping culturally relevant materials, including youth HPV information sheets, social media content, parent letters, and provider talking points.
4) The development and delivery of Peer-to-Peer sessions in high schools in Oregon (Hannah Smith and Blake Locher): Description of the collaborative process for creating and presenting Peer‑to‑Peer education in six Portland high schools, including cross‑organizational coordination, session content, and lessons learned from implementation.
September
Understanding Vaccine Attitudes in Oregon: New Polling Data, Emerging Trends, and Implications for Clinical Practice
With Meg Olson, Oregon Families for Vaccines and Alanna Braun, MD FAAP
For the first time since before the pandemic and the installation of vaccine-skeptic RFK Jr. at the Department of Health and Human Services, we have updated statewide polling data examining Oregon voters current attitudes towards vaccines. Meg Olson, Director of Oregon Families for Vaccines, will present the findings of this newly collected data and what it reflects about who is shaping these attitudes, where families place their trust, and how the pandemic and federal influences have impacted these views over time. The presentation will explore some demographic and geographic trends, identify rates of vaccine confidence and hesitancy, and highlight areas where public understanding diverges from scientific consensus.
Building on these findings, Dr. Alanna Braun, pediatrician, Oregon Pediatric Society Advocacy Chair, and Oregon Families for Vaccines Steering Committee Member, will discuss the practical implications for healthcare providers and immunization advocates. Drawing connections between polling data and clinical experience, she will examine how evolving public attitudes can inform patient communication strategies, strengthen trust-based conversations, and support more effective vaccine counseling. Attendees will gain insights into how providers can address common concerns, tailor messaging to individual patient needs, and respond to emerging trends in vaccine perceptions across Oregon communities.
This session will equip participants with data-driven insights and practical tools to strengthen vaccine conversations and support informed decision-making among patients and families.
September
NWIC 2026: Building Vaccine Confidence in the Clinic
with Dr. Ryan Hassan
1. Vaccine hesitance is on the rise and outbreaks are following, and clinicians don’t always have the tools to build confidence in vaccines in clinic visits.
2. Unvaccinated patients increase risk for our patients and communities, and conversations about vaccines can increase burnout and create rifts in relationships.
September
Travel Vaccines
With Tobias Pusch, MD Infectious Disease Specialist
September
Infodemiology
With Jessica Malaty Rivera
September
Cervical Cancer Elimination: How Do We Address the Gaps?
With Dr. Linda Eckert
& NWIC2026 closing and raffle with Molly Sax Immunize Oregon
Moving toward cervical cancer elimination requires that all with a cervix have access to the amazing cervical cancer prevention and treatment tools available. How do we get that to happen?
