In 1991, the Colorado Children’s Immunization Coalition formed in response to news that only 50 to 55 percent of children in our state were adequately immunized. This voluntary group was sponsored and chaired by The Children’s Hospital and included a wide variety of participants, including physicians, insurance providers, parents and state officials.
In 1996, the Colorado Trust convened leaders and experts in immunization and pediatric medicine, including CCIC, to develop a plan to improve and sustain childhood immunization rates in Colorado. CCIC was designated to take the lead in implementing recommendations set forth in the taskforce report, “A Comprehensive Plan to Improve Childhood Immunization Rates in Colorado.” As part of the implementation, CCIC incorporated as a 501c(3) organization on February 5, 1999.
The Coalition has successfully convened and facilitated community-based partners to better immunize local children, manage public awareness campaigns, and present education for physicians, staff and parents. CCIC has also been instrumental in addressing policy initiatives that will better protect our children from vaccine-preventable disease. Additional CCIC activities include:
· Assembled a coalition consisting of a diverse group of stakeholders from across the state who agree on a common agenda to improve immunization rates.
· Established immunization service projects in collaboration with Rotary Clubs throughout Colorado in response to the Rotary district governing council's endorsement of immunizations as a statewide priority.
· Leads efforts to increase state funding for childhood immunizations.
· Received Gold and Silver Leaf awards from the Colorado Health Care Communicators, which recognizes the best in community awareness campaigns.
· Supports Shots for Tots clinics for the underserved populations in Aurora and Englewood with funding, expertise, materials, and volunteers.
· Distributes outreach materials in both English and Spanish at health fairs, sporting events, and other public venues which educate families on the importance of immunization and offer resources for low or no cost vaccinations.
· Distributes palm cards to health care professionals with the updated vaccination schedule for childhood, adolescent, school, and child care immunization requirements and listing of resources for those delivering the vaccinations.
· Collaborated with the Department of Public Health and Environment to promote the formation of an Immunization Advisory Workgroup that engages with appropriate state agencies to address childhood immunization issues
- Help parents make informed decisions about childhood vaccinations through education and advocacy.
History 
