| | | | | | | | UPDATE from the 87th Texas Legislature The 87th Texas Legislature is history. At least the regular session. Gov. Greg Abbott called a special session for July, but as of now he has not said what is in the special call. TIP worked to help pass two vaccine bills and defeat 13 anti-vaccine bills. - SB1353 improves data collection to ensure equitable access and distribution of vaccines.
- SB239 ensures proper immunization communication to community organizations during disasters.
| | | | Thank you to everyone who provided their support through emails, telephone calls, committee testimonies, rally attendance, and other forms of advocacy. Your time, talents, and dedication help to make a safer and healthier future for all Texans. We have posted to our Vaxx Voice podcast a series of episodes with Rekha Lakshmanan, our Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, who talks about the ins and outs and the ups and downs of this session. You can listen to them for free by clicking here. | | | | | | TIP teams with Rice University science policy program | | | | The Academy of Medicine, Engineering & Science of Texas (TAMEST) partnered with Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy to test a pilot program of science policy fellows for the 87th session of the Texas Legislature. Although the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the fellows from pairing with individual legislative offices, they embedded with The Immunization Partnership capitol representatives for the session. Pictured here are pilot fellows Robert Laroche, Roxanna Llinas, Esther Lou, and Adam Navara with Pilot Director and Founder Melody Tan; photos courtesy of Melody Tan. Melody participated in our virtual Advocacy School workshop in December 2020. You can watch her presentation here. | | | | | | We want to hear from you! We’re looking for Texans to take part in 45-minute virtual Focus Groups during July. The purpose is to hear directly from you about your vaccine beliefs and experiences. And not just about the COVID-19 vaccines. Participants will receive a $25 Amazon gift card. If you have any questions, you can contact Rachel Walker at rwalker@immunizeUSA.org. | | | | | | | | | | Forty percent of parents and legal guardians say their children missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Immunization Partnership, The American Academy of Pediatrics, Texas Pediatric Society, and Texas School Nurse Organization are hosting a webinar Wednesday, July 14 from 12:15PM-1:15PM CT, that will provide education and resources for school administrators on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on immunization rates among school-aged children. Experts will discuss immunizations, the critical role they play in protecting children from preventable diseases, and how school administrators can use this information to make schools healthier and safer. Click here to register. | | | | | | | | Texas still a long way from community immunity Texans are getting out and about now that summer is here and more folks have received their COVID-19 vaccine. But we’re a long way from being anywhere near the roughly 80% of Texans fully vaccinated to reach community immunity. The Texas Department of State Health Services says we have about 48% of the state fully vaccinated. Your vaccine is waiting for you, so exercise your right to bare arms and take a shot for Texas. Percent of Texas population fully vaccinated Age Percent 12-15 4.4% 16-49 37.4% 50-79 63.1% 80+ 65.1% | | | | Moderna seeks FDA emergency use authorization for COVID vaccine for 12-17 year olds On June 10, 2021, Moderna asked the FDA for emergency use authorization for its COVID-19 vaccine for 12-17 year olds. Authorization typically takes 3-4 weeks. Click here for Episode 1 of TIP's 5-part podcast with Cherise Rohr-Allegrini of San Antonio and her daughter, Angelina, who is enrolled in the Texas trial for teens. | | | | | | You are not a walking magnet No, you won't stick to the fridge after getting your COVID-19 vaccine. It doesn't contain magnetic metals or anything magnetic. So, paperclips, pins, scissors, and keys won't stick to you. But, you could be more attractive to those who don't want to catch the virus. | | | | | | Fraud Alert Vaccines help prevent COVID-19, but only high alert can prevent pandemic pirates seeking your personal information for free COVID tests, federal grants, and Medicare prescription cards. Don't give your information to someone you don't know. Also stay alert for COVID-19 contact tracing scammers wanting your Medicare number, financial information, or payment information to set up a COVID-19 test. Real contact tracers don't do that. Call 800-447-8477 if you suspect a scam. | | | | Meet Mobi and Victor TIP created a children's book that explains the importance of community immunity. The book follows Mobi, a pesky measles virus, who has a goal of infecting everyone in Townsville. However, a superhero vaccine named Victor quickly throws a wrench in Mobi's plans. The book is available in English and Spanish, and in hard-cover and paperback. To learn more about Mobi and Victor and how you can get your very own copy and a coupon code for 50% off, click here. | | | | | | The Immunization Partnership Podcasts | | | | People continue to notice our new podcasts. Vaxx Voice covers general immunization information while Vaxx to the Future features COVID-19 virus and vaccine information. | | | | | | Find out what TIP is saying about COVID-19 and other vaccine-preventable diseases, and what the media are saying about TIP by visiting our TIP in the News page. New this month: Our Health Equity Council op-ed on how to keep a positive attitude during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a Politico article on colleges mandating COVID-19 vaccinations, with quotes from Rekha Lakshmanan, our Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, and Peter Hotez, MD, PhD, a member of our Scientific Advisory Council. | | | | | | | | TIP's mission is to eradicate vaccine-preventable diseases by educating the community, advocating for evidence-based public policy, and supporting immunization best practices. | | | | | | The Immunization Partnership
240 West Galveston Street #1985 | League City, Texas 77574-1985
281-400-3689 | info@immunizeUSA.org | | | | | | | | | | | |
