Vaccine Ambassadors

Our goals are to:

1. Increase immunization coverage to children globally and decrease deaths/disabilities from vaccine- preventable diseases (VPDs)

2. Increase awareness and advocacy for universal coverage of vaccines for all.

3. Aid in the dialogue between healthcare providers and the public on the importance of immunizations in an effort to increase local and domestic immunization rates

Through strategic partnerships with established global health organizations including the Pan American Health Organization, the World Health Organization's Regional Office for the Americas, Vaccine Ambassadors funds the purchase and delivery of high-quality vaccines and related supplies and services for children and families in the Pan American Region (Latin America and the Caribbean).

In order to maximize impact, vaccine selection is based on priority needs identified by experts in the field. In addition to addressing routine immunization, Vaccine Ambassadors provides emergency vaccines during natural disasters and humanitarian crises.

COVID-19:
We are working to ensure the health of those most impacted by the virus in North Carolina in historically marginalized populations by increasing access and uptake of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Our partnerships allow us to provide vaccines through existing channels without duplication of services ensuring that 100 percent of our public donations goes to vaccines, delivery and services.

We work with local, national, and international public health organizations, academic disciplines, and scientific groups on advocacy initiatives to amplify our messaging regarding the importance of vaccines at home and abroad for the individual, and the greater community.

COVID-19
We have built partnerships across the state and are working together to reach the most vulnerable in our communities.

To-date, Vaccines Ambassadors has provided over 800,000 vaccines covering 12 different diseases.

Routine Vaccines
Routine vaccines go to strengthen national immunization programs in low- and middle-income countries. Ensuring a stable supply of vaccines is paramount to improving health in marginalized communities.

Large-Scale Campaigns
By joining other international partners, Vaccine Ambassadors has been able to amplify vaccine support on two large-scale immunization campaigns in Haiti. The most recent campaign was in June 2019. The focus was on three diseases, for which there were suboptimal coverage; measles, rubella, and polio. The targeted recipients were 1.5 million children under the age of five. Additional partners in this effort included the Pan American Health Organization, the World Bank, GAVI, USAID and others.

Emergency Relief
In the fall of 2017, Vaccine Ambassadors responded to the critical immunization needs of the Commonwealth of Dominica following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Widespread power outages resulted in the loss of the island's entire vaccine supply. Working with partners at the Pan American Health Organization, Vaccine Ambassadors provided an 4-month emergency supply of vaccines covering 12 different diseases for children and adults residing on the island. In addition to vaccines, a centralized solar-powered refrigerator was purchased to maintain future vaccines, along with vaccine carriers to reach remote areas of the island.

COVID-19
Disruptions in immunization services due to COVID-19 has put million of children at risk for contracting vaccine preventable diseases. We are working with our global partners to identify critical gaps in an effort to response quickly and protect more children and families during this extraordinary time in public health.

NC COVID-19 Response
Since early spring of 2021, Vaccine Ambassadors began working with community organizations in North Carolina committed to increasing access and uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among historically marginalized populations.* Many people face hardships in obtaining vaccines through existing vaccine distribution sites. Bringing vaccination services into the community through mobile partnerships is essential in order to ensure that those most vulnerable have easy access.

To date, we have facilitated, co-hosted, or participated in over 30 COVID-19 mobile vaccination events in North Carolina. Prioritizing underserved areas that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic has been key.

*Historically Marginalized Populations are defined as individuals, groups and communities that have historically and systematically been denied access to services, resources and power relationships across economic, political and cultural dimensions as a result of systemic, durable and persistent racism, discrimination and other forms of oppression.