Setting up a Successful Clinic in Your Community Doug Shenson M.D. M.P.H. SPARC (Sickness Prevention Achieved through Regional Collaboration)
Why Vote & Vax? More than 120 million Americans vote in national elections. Approximately 70% the voters are over age 50. Fewer than 40% of adults ages receive an annual flu shot. Polling places are mandated to be maximally accessible.
Local Elections When: Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This year: November 6, 2012 They may be run by counties, cities, or townships. They observe strict regulations.
Getting Started … Go to our website:
Next steps … Download the Vote & Vax Resource Guide Decide whether you would like to establish one or more Vote & Vax clinics at: Polling sites (in close proximity) Other community locations (senior center, etc.) Retail outlets
For clinics at polling sites … Contact your local election authority. Search “local government” in phone book Consult the National Association of State Election Directors at Educate yourself about local regulations.
Choosing the Right Polling Place Consider the need Which communities have low vaccination rates Consider operational elements Is there parking? Is there registration space? Is mobility to and from the polling place easy?
Outreach and Publicity Flyers and posters Public service announcements (PSAs) for radio and local cable TV Press kits for local papers Call-in radio show (be a guest—and bring a local election official)
Vote & Vax Principles No partisan political activities. Not a “Get Out the Vote” initiative. Not for the exclusive benefit of voters. Clinic accessible after people have voted.
Vote & Vax National Deployment: 2008
Vote & Vax 2008: Reaching Black and Hispanic Participants Are Who Are Not Regular Flu Shot Recipients (Shenson D and Adams M. Vote & Vax: A National Program to Deliver Influenza Vaccinations at Polling Places. National Immunization Conference. Atlanta GA. April 2010 )
For the community. An effective way to extend protection to those who would not otherwise be vaccinated. Vote & Vax is smart …
For providers. A valuable way to become better known in your community as a responsive and dependable source of health care services. Vote & Vax is smart …
Vote & Vax provides materials and technical assistance
In 2008 Vote & Vax delivered 21,434 flu shots in 42 states and DC at 331 polling places
Specific questions? Visit Watch the 4-5 minute Vote & Vax video on YouTube Contact Dr. Doug Shenson at or by calling (617)