On November 4, 2020 the Allegheny County Immunization Coalition (ACIC) conducted the 15th Annual Immunization Education Conference.
Over 250 attendees participated in this years’ virtual conference. This conference covered a wide range of topics, all with a focus of prevention, education and public health. Our goal, Community Immunity!
Dr. Seth Toback was our first speaker this year.
Some people may remember Dr. Toback from his days at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh as well as Pediatric Alliance. Dr. Toback presented an overview of the many COVID-19 vaccine trials currently underway. He was our kick-off speaker at the 15th Annual Allegheny County Immunization Conference.
Chad and Dr. Todd Wolynn of Kids+ Plus Pediatrics provided an overview of the social media attacks launched at their practices over the past two years. These coordinated attacks were chronicled in their presentation and describe the anti-vaccine presence on social media. They have developed a non-profit “Shots Heard Round the World” in order to address the misinformation that is prevalent on many social media platforms.
Dr. Debra Bogen, Director of the Allegheny County Health Department, provided an update on Allegheny County’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The information she presented also focused on efforts at the Pennsylvania State Level. Prevention and social distancing were the focus of her update.
Donald B. Middleton, MD, Professor Family Medicine, UPMC St. Margaret, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine provided an update on the 2020 – 2021 Influenza Vaccination. Dr. Middleton discussed his work with patients and how he educates them on the need to protect themselves and their family.
Dr. Joseph Domachowske, Professor of Pediatrics, Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Director of Global Maternal Child and Pediatric Health Program at the Center for Global Health and Translational Research, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York presented an update on RSV infections. His topic was titled: “Preventing Infant RSV Infection 2020: An Explosion of Progress.”
2020 Poster Review Session
In 2019, we introduced a Poster Review Session. This is an opportunity to share additional scholarly work regarding immunizations within Western Pennsylvania. This year, we had two posters presented. Information for these posters is included below for your review. (Click on the image or title below to see/download a hi-res PDF of each poster.) We look to further expand this educational exchange opportunity at future programs.
“Operation One Shot UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital” (shown is page 1 of a 5-page poster presentation, the linked PDF shows the full presentation)
Authors: Jeff Magill, Nina Tatar, Tanya Fabian, Erica McPeek, Jason Komorowski, Amy Sens, Eric Poach, Oakland Employee Health Group
“Increasing Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Immunization Rates in a Pediatric Primary Care Setting: A Translational Project”
Authors: Janet Wilkins, Susan Thul, Angela Coates
Final Comments from the 15th Annual Immunization Update
On behalf of the ACIC Executive Board, we would like to extend a sincere Thank You for all who attended and participated in the 15th Annual Immunization Update. Without your help, the conference would not have been the success that it was.
We thank you for your support and sharing your expertise with all the conference attendees.
Your help and assistance is helping everyone with our goal of achieving “Community Immunity”!
Respectfully,
Past Board Chair,
Educational Conference Chair
Allegheny County Immunization Coalition