News Release
July, 12 1996

Satellite Immunization Training Draws 1,200

More than 1,200 people have registered for a satellite down-link Immunization Promotion Volunteer Training to promote early childhood immunizations in their communities, Michigan State University President Peter McPherson and Michigan Department of Community Health Director (DCH) James K. Haveman, Jr. announced today.

The satellite training will be held Wednesday, July 17, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in 46 local settings around the state. A joint project of DCH and Michigan State University Extension, the training is designed for child care providers, day care workers, teachers, church groups and other community groups interested in promoting good health in children.

Both McPherson and Haveman expressed delight at the response to the immunization project. "This level of response from concerned care givers and child care advocates is extremely gratifying," Haveman said. "It demonstrates the high level of care and commitment to Michigan children and is a critically important effort toward our goal of having 100 percent of our two-year-olds immunized."

McPherson emphasized that MSU is fully committed to the immunization partnership. "We are determined to do everything we can to assure that we reach and then sustain the 100 percent goal," he said. In addition to the training initiative, MSU is also conducting a telephone survey to determine what the current two-year immunization levels are and is participating in a project to update immunization curricula for students who are going into professional health care fields.

Satellite training participants will learn about the most recent immunization schedule, 10 vaccine-preventable diseases, common fears and barriers to immunizations, assessing an immunization record and tips for promoting timely immunizations.

People may still register for the training by calling the down-link site nearest them or by calling (517) 353-2596. A list of local down-link sites is attached.