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In 2000, a study conducted in Pasadena showed that approximately three out of ten children did not receive all the recommended vaccinations to protect them against vaccine preventable diseases. Annual reports from the Public Health Department showed the following results: from 1996 to 2000 there were 85 reported cases of Hepatitis A, 316 of Hepatitis B, 1 of Measles case, 6 of Meningococcal and 21 of Pertussis. In the following 5-year-period Hepatitis A decreased by 35%, Hepatitis B decreased by 55%, Measles had no change, Meningococcal decreased by 33% and Pertussis increased by 44%. With a 73.3% immunization rate, Pasadena was unable to reach the Healthy People 2000 goal of 90% up-to-date rate for children by the age of two. In order for Pasadena to reach the Healthy People 2010 goal of having 90% of all children properly immunized by two years of age, the Public Health Department recognized a need to address parental and community concerns and increase education about the importance of disease prevention through immunizations. The Pasadena Immunization Coalition (PIzC) was established in March 2000 to improve childhood immunization rates. PIzC is a partnership of government health agencies, healthcare providers, hospitals, private businesses, schools, childcare agencies and concerned citizens. PIzC is a volunteer-based public and private partnership committed to: educating the community on the importance of getting immunizations on time; and, serving as a local repository for immunization information. PIzC members serve on one or more of the four following groups: Steering Committee: Consists of all Work Group Chairs, PIzC Coordinator and elected members, this committee is responsible for program, policy and funding decisions. Provider Support and Education Work Group: Aids Pasadena healthcare providers in raising and sustaining immunization rates by providing them with support, education, and materials necessary for developing effective immunization strategies and practices. Activities Include: Annual Awards of Excellence Event, CQIS, LINK Promotion, Healthcare Worker Awareness Campaign Community Education and Awareness Work Group: Educates the Pasadena community about the importance of immunization and the availability of immunization services for people of all ages. Activities Include: Seasonal Flu Campaign, Community Health Fairs, Inter-agency Presentations Special Immunization Projects Work Group: Plans and implements special events to promote immunization awareness and availability in the community. PIzC general coalition meetings are open to everyone and are held three times a year. Work groups meet usually every month or as often as needed. Please contact our offices at (626) 744-6134 to get upcoming meeting dates and times. Newsletters (in PDF format). You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this page. In addition to the information available on PIzC's website, PIzC members receive the following benefits:
If you would like to become a member, please fill out a registration form. Your contact information provided here will be used for PIzC purposes only.
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