From Missouri Public Health Association February 2022 Newsletter – Featuring Nicole Williams, MPH, MIC Programs Director (page 6) 

As many of you know, the Missouri Immunization Coalition, Inc. (MIC) is growing! In January of this year, I started as MIC’s new Programs Director and am excited to be coming on board at such a pivotal time. I’ve spent my career in health systems strengthening, developing public health programming, and educational outreach across the globe. But as we entered another year of the COVID-19 pandemic, it felt like the right time to move my international public health career towards improving the health of communities right where I call home, in Missouri. Acting globally starts at home, and as a native Missourian, I understand the fears and concerns of fellow Missourians about getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and am eager to help lead efforts across the State to boost vaccination rates and slow its spread.

But at MIC, we aren’t just focused on COVID-19 immunization and education. Our mission is to promote immunizations, prevent disease, and protect Missourians against all vaccine-preventable diseases. As MIC’s Programs Director, I am committed to targeted, community-driven solutions that elevate the essential role vaccines play in promoting health across the lifespan for all Missourians. Please consider MIC your partner in immunization education, advocacy, promotion, and statewide collaborative initiatives, and visit our website at www.moimmunize.org to learn more.

Many thanks to our members, Executive Director, and Board of Directors for the warm welcome, and I look forward to working with many more of you in the future.

WHAT WE DO at Missouri Immunization Coalition Coalition

Building: The MIC’s coalition-building strategies leverage the collective voice of Missouri’s diverse population on immunization priorities, policies, awareness, and resources in support of promoting vaccinations and the health of our communities. Community Outreach and Awareness: The Missouri Immunization Coalition’s community outreach efforts build awareness for parents about the safety and importance of immunizations. We also provide immunization education and information with healthcare providers.

Public Policy: The Missouri Immunization Coalition brings together a diverse group of healthcare professionals, public health professionals, business leaders, parents, and community members to inform public policy.

Provider Education: Strengthening immunization knowledge for Missouri’s physicians, mid-level providers, nurses, pharmacists, and public health professionals enables Missouri’s healthcare professionals to:

  • Make strong provider vaccination recommendations
  • Adhere to proper vaccination safety protocol
  • Provide information to patients on the importance of vaccinations
  • Address vaccine hesitancy by discussing vaccine benefits
  • Remain up-to-date on the latest immunization recommendations