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Immunization | PA Medical Home Program and PA MHP

Immunization

Immunizations prevent deaths, avoid deadly diseases, and drastically reduce healthcare costs. Vaccinations have been shown to be safe and effectively protect children and youth from disease.

Maintaining routine vaccine schedules is critical to preventing disease outbreaks which could potentially result in public health emergencies or future pandemics. To inform parents and caregivers, conversations around vaccinations should take place as early possible such as at a prenatal visit from trusted information sources. Pediatricians and frontline providers are critical for these conversations.

Immunization Resources for Pediatric Providers

The PA Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (PA AAP) and the PA Immunization Coalition (PAIC) offer practical tools and up–to–date resources to support pediatricians in delivering strong immunization care. Access printable immunization schedules, patient education materials, and strategies for navigating
vaccine hesitancy—all designed to help you communicate effectively with families and improve vaccination rates.

We’re excited to share a collection of free, downloadable educational resources to support vaccine education and outreach in your community. These tools are designed to promote informed decision-making and increase awareness about the importance of immunizations.

  • Parent’s Guide to Childhood Immunizations –Designed to empower parents with accurate, up–to–date information on vaccinations—from understanding the importance of early immunization to demystifying the vaccine schedule. Written in a clear and accessible format, this guide equips parents with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their child’s health.
  • Vaccine Factsheets – Clear, concise, and up-to-date factsheets covering a wide range of vaccines. Perfect for health fairs, clinics, schools, and one-on-one conversations. Each factsheet includes information on what the vaccine protects against, who should get it, and possible side effects. 
  • Consequence Cards – These visual cards illustrate the real-life impact of vaccine-preventable diseases. They are a great conversation starter and help personalize the importance of vaccination. Use them during educational sessions or display them in waiting rooms and community centers.
  • HPV Brochure for Boys and Young Men – This informative brochure highlights the importance of the HPV vaccine for boys and young men, explaining how it protects against certain cancers and other diseases caused by the human papillomavirus. It’s designed to engage parents, teens, and healthcare providers with clear messaging and compelling facts. 

All materials are available for free download and print. Whether you’re working in a clinical setting, school, or community event, these tools can help support your vaccine education efforts.

👉 Download the materials now!

Additionally, you can create an account and purchase resource materials.  

Scan the QR code’s above to access our vaccine resource documents, including an HPV brochure for boys and young men, multilingual parent guides, vaccine fact sheets, and our ‘Diseases and Consequences’ cards.

Scan Here to Visit Our Print Portal

Scan Here to Download & Print Our Resources

Parent's Guide for CYSHCN Summary

CYSHCN Vaccine Misconceptions resource

PA AAP Immunization Guide

The PA AAP and PAIC have teamed up to host the updated PA Immunization Education Program. The Pennsylvania Immunization Education Program (IEP) provides up-to-date immunization education to health care professionals across the Commonwealth. The program includes information on the basics of vaccine-preventable diseases, current disease epidemiology, and immunization recommendations and schedules. It focuses on practical tips on storage and handling, motivational interviewing, and best practices to increase routine rates in medical homes. 

Originally comprised of three modules focused on pediatric immunizations, the program now includes a fourth part dedicated to adult immunizations. The PA Immunization Education Program’s mission is to improve and maintain high immunization rates through the education of clinicians, primary care practice staff, and related health professional groups to reduce the effects of vaccine-preventable diseases. 

Here is the direct link to the CME/CEU accredited training: Pennsylvania Immunization Education Program (IEP) 

Parent/Caregiver information

Children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) have a higher risk of getting sick with COVID-19 and flu. Vaccination is especially important for these groups as they have underlying health conditions and close contact with health care providers. Young children may also have difficulty wearing masks when necessary, practicing consistent hygiene like washing their hands, and maintaining safe distances from others. For everyone 6 months and older COVID-19 and Flu vaccinations should be received. This guidance is recommended by trusted professionals at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

If your child needs specific accommodations, inform the staff when the appointment is made or when you arrive at the vaccination site. This can include:

  • Allowing your child to walk around after receiving the vaccine instead of sitting still.
  • Administering the vaccine in the comfort of your car.
  • Allowing a familiar companion to remain with your child during the appointment.
  • Offering a quiet room away from the crowd for vaccination.

Additional resources

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