| Howdy Y'all, here's the talk from TIP. This is The Immunization Partnership's newsletter, The Upshot. In it we talk about policy, community engagement, and education, and feature our allies as well as the most recent and salient news about vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases. |
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| Message from our Executive Director, Terri Burke |
| Beyond the Capitol, Our Vaccine Advocacy Rolled On In odd-numbered years, it can feel like everything revolves around the Texas Legislature—and for 140 days, it nearly does, as we fight to stop dangerous rollbacks to immunization policy. But that’s far from all we’ve been doing across the state. In this newsletter, you’ll read what else we’ve been up to—and what’s ahead. |
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We’ve been hosting coffee and conversations with older Texans about the importance of vaccinations for them and their families. They’ve shared concerns about getting the booster to protect against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough (Tdap)—before visiting new grandbabies, and asked questions about RSV and shingles vaccines. Their life experiences—like childhood memories of polio—help inform conversations with others who may be hesitant. -
In San Antonio, our team has been providing “Vaccine 101” education to underserved communities and equipping community health workers with the tools they need to advocate for immunizations. -
Our staff and Scientific Advisory Council have been monitoring developments at the federal level and assessing the impact on Texas. With federal staffing changes and shifting priorities, watch our website for reliable and up-to-date information. -
Measles (yes, it’s still out there). When we weren’t thinking about the Legislature, we were thinking about measles. With non-medical exemption rates rising for years, we feared an outbreak was coming—even as we hoped it wouldn’t. Read about how we are partnering with health departments on our “Don’t Wait. Vaccinate Texas” outreach in affected communities. -
The TIP team is also working in the Lower Rio Grande Valley—historically a high-vaccination region—to understand what’s working, where rates may be slipping, and why. -
On a lighter note—but equally important—we’re deep into planning our annual luncheon. This year’s theme is the “Vaccine Follies,” a mix of music and comedy about a topic that usually keeps our brows furrowed. Check out the article and make plans to join us Sept. 26 in Houston. We all need a little levity and laughter right now. I hope you read our special newsletter on the legislative session. We’re so grateful for the supporters and activists who helped push back against dangerous public health proposals. They are our true Vaccine Champions. Stay in touch—sign up for alerts (we won’t flood your inbox!) and donate if you can. Your gifts of time, talent and treasure fuel our work—and our spirits. |
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| Advocacy on the Road: What Texas Lawmakers Did—and Didn’t Do—for Vaccines This summer, The Immunization Partnership is hitting the road—virtually and in person—for a Texas-wide tour breaking down the outcomes of the 2025 legislative session. We’ll unpack new laws affecting immunizations and connect the dots between what’s happening locally and federally. Public health professionals, healthcare providers, pharmacists, advocates, academics—and anyone fighting for vaccines—are invited to join the conversation.
We’ll spotlight powerful voices from this year’s legislative hearings. Their firsthand experiences will not only bring the session to life but also help rally new and returning immunization supporters as we gear up for interim hearings and the 2027 session. Building on the momentum from the 89th Legislature, we’re working to grow our coalition, educate the public, and make clear that immunization policy affects real lives in real ways.
Watch your inbox and follow us on social media for tour dates and how to get involved. Texans deserve to know what’s being done for them—and what’s being done to them. Too many lawmakers have ignored science and public sentiment, putting public health at risk. Let’s make sure that changes. |
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| | ‘Don’t Wait. Vaccinate, Texas.’ Campaign Urges Texans to Stay Vigilant on Measles State officials are seeing signs that the measles outbreak sweeping West Texas is slowing. But as the state’s top health official cautions, it only takes one person entering an under-vaccinated community to reignite transmission. That warning underscores why The Immunization Partnership has launched “Don’t Wait. Vaccinate, Texas.” This campaign operates on two major prongs: Partnerships with local health departments
TIP worked directly with public health teams in communities across Texas—including Lubbock, Amarillo, El Paso, and Andrews County—to coordinate public messaging as outbreaks and cases emerged. TIP developed English and Spanish social media tools for distribution through partner networks. These included targeted Spanish-language messaging for adults traveling between El Paso and the high-outbreak region of Chihuahua, Mexico, ensuring culturally relevant communication in communities at elevated risk. Media engagement during the crisis
TIP partner pediatricians in cities like Dallas and Lubbock participated in news segments as outbreaks happened, providing timely, trusted information to local families and reinforcing the importance of MMR vaccination. Your generosity powers this work—helping Texans find vaccination centers and understand that MMR vaccination is the best protection against measles. Just $25 helps us deliver bilingual prevention messaging to 500 families, including those in high-risk areas. As the outbreak stabilizes, our focus shifts to preventing complacency. With summer camps, family reunions and long road trips ahead, we’re reminding families not to let their guard down—because it only takes one person to start it all over again. For more information or to support the campaign, visit www.immunizeusa.org/vaccinatetexas |
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| | LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: HB 1586 Passes. TIP Pushes Forward. Despite public pressure from advocates during the legislative session and veto period, HB 1586, an anti-vaccine bill, was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott on June 20. The new law will lead to more unvaccinated children and vaccine preventable outbreaks. Higher exemption rates mean lower vaccination coverage—putting more Texas communities at risk of serious disease outbreaks. In the 2023–2024 school year alone, nearly 120,000 students were exempt from one or more school-required vaccines. That number could climb even higher once HB 1586 takes effect. The danger isn’t hypothetical: Texas is still navigating a serious measles outbreak, seeded in West Texas communities with already-high exemption rates. Easing the exemption process further only increases the risk of more—and more severe—outbreaks in the future. That doesn’t mean our work stops. We are just getting started. As supporters for immunizations, we must redouble our efforts to educate parents about the dangers of childhood diseases and the lifesaving benefits of vaccines. Through our “Don’t Wait. Vaccinate, Texas.” campaign, TIP is working to deliver clear, consistent messaging about the importance of staying current on immunizations—especially in communities where vaccination rates are declining. In the months ahead, we’ll take our advocacy on the road—traveling across the state to meet families where they are and build on the momentum we created during the legislative session. Now more than ever, Texans must stay vigilant, informed and engaged. |
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| Vaccine News Public health is always top of mind for TIP. Here are some of the top stories from the past two months: |
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| | Policy Vital Services at Risk as Texas Nears Deadline for $119M in Health Funds Public health in Texas is at severe risk. Some $119 million in federal funding from the CDC to the Texas Department of State Health Services is in limbo. Without this funding critical programs like immunizations, HIV prevention, and TB testing and treatment will not function beyond June 30. These federal grants help local health departments maintain vaccination coverage across Texas and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. Local health departments form the backbone of the state’s public health infrastructure. They are on the front lines every day—preventing disease outbreaks, preparing for health emergencies, promoting health education, and operating clinics that deliver vital services. In many underserved or rural areas, they are often the only accessible health resource. The impact of any interruption in federal funding could be felt immediately. The public health workforce, already stretched thin, will face further reductions. Immunization clinics will shut down. Education programs will end. Core emergency preparedness activities will lapse. It all adds up to shuttered doors and no services for the most hard-to-reach Texans. |
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| Community Engagement & Education  Community Moments to Move the Mission Forward This spring, TIP was out in different communities to rebuild vaccine confidence and awareness. In May, TIP joined a neighborhood event hosted by Community Health Choice at a residential complex in the Houston Heights area, providing educational materials and one-on-one support for residents. That same month, we presented to the Dallas County Immunization Coalition, offering practical guidance on using motivational interviewing to reduce vaccine hesitancy through empathetic, trust-based communication. In June, we hosted more WISE (Wellness Initiative for Senior Empowerment) events, including a joint program with Molina Healthcare that connected older adults with accurate immunization information. We also led three targeted vaccine trainings—two for Community Health Worker students at Northwest Vista College in San Antonio, and one for unhoused individuals at Corazon Ministries. Each session equipped participants with the tools to better understand vaccines and share vaccine information within their communities. Workshops and Presentations  Leadership That Reaches Beyond the Boardroom Our board and leadership team remained deeply engaged in expanding TIP’s reach and strengthening community ties. Earlier this spring, TIP attended the United Way Board Fair, connecting with prospective board members and sharing ways to support our mission.  In May, we joined Community Health Choice at the L.I.F.E. Mother’s Day Luncheon, an inspiring event celebrating maternal and family health. Later that month, Board Member Dr. Sarah Ashitey hosted an intimate gathering at Southwest Mind & Body in Dallas, where guests connected and learned more about TIP’s growing impact across Texas.  |
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| |  | Save the Date: A Celebration of Vaccine Progress, Public Health and Texas Champions This year’s Vaccine Follies: A Luncheon of Science and Success brings a spirited twist from past annual TIP luncheons—complete with music, comedy and celebration. Join us this fall as we honor the people and partnerships powering immunization progress across Texas. Date: Friday, Sept. 26
Time: 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Hotel Zaza, Houston Museum District Honorees: Dr. Lindy McGee, Assistant Professor, Baylor College of Medicine – Ralph D. Feigin, MD Award for Excellence The Baker Institute for Public Policy – John R. Boettiger, Jr. Award for Community Partnership Why Attend? This isn’t just lunch—it’s a lively celebration of impact, filled with some comedy, live music, and heartfelt recognition. Join fellow advocates, civic leaders, and public health champions for a powerful afternoon of connection, inspiration, and community. How to Join: Tickets & Sponsorships: Available now. Can’t Attend? Donate or learn more at https://immunizeusa.salsalabs.org/Luncheon2025/index.html |
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| The Immunization Partnership advocates for disease prevention using an impactful network of vaccine champions who promote education and evidence-based public policy on the health benefits of childhood and adult vaccinations. TIP aspires to be the trusted resource for increasing immunization rates to create healthier communities. |
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| 281-400-3689 | P.O. Box 346, Houston, TX 77001 |
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