The ninth annual Immunize SD Conference, Vaccines: Honoring the Past, Securing the Future in a World of Misinformation, took place on April 29 at The District in Sioux Falls. Public health and healthcare professionals gathered to hear expert speakers discuss vaccine history, policy updates, community outreach, collaboration, and strategies for building vaccine confidence. They explored trends and solutions to vaccine hesitancy, heard the latest immunization practices, and gained tools to improve the future of immunization and public health in South Dakota.
Continuing Education
NURSING, 6.25 contact hours: This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by Montana Nurses Association, an accredited approver with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
PROVIDER, 6.00 credits: The AAFP has reviewed Vaccines: Honoring the Past, Securing the Future in a World of Misinformation and deemed it acceptable for up to 6.00 Live AAFP Prescribed credit(s). Term of Approval is from04/29/2025 to 04/29/2025. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
PHARMACY, 6.0 hours: The South Dakota Board of Pharmacy has approved this program for pharmacist continuing education (CE) credits. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, please check with your certification board to ensure that these credits will be accepted for certification.
Presentations
Immunization Milestones: Building on the Triumphs of Vaccines
Emily Messerli, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, Chief Programmatic Officer, AIM
South Dakota’s Vaccine Outlook: Trends, Challenges, and Insights
Josh Clayton, PhD, MPH, State Epidemiologist, South Dakota Department of Health
Immunization Here and There, But Not Everywhere
Lon Kightlinger, PhD, MSPH
From Concern to Confidence: Responding to Common Vaccine Concerns from Parents and Patients
Kylie Hall, MPH, Operations Director, NDSU Center for Immunization Research and Education
Adult Immunization: Key Updates & Challenges
Jennifer Hsu, MD, Infectious Disease Specialist, Avera Medical Group
Implementing IQIP for Success
Brett Oakland, Immunization Registry Coordinator, SD Department of Health
Protecting Two: The Power of Vaccines in Pregnancy
Speaker: Erica Schipper, MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist, Sanford Health
Keeping It Cool: Essential Vaccine Storage & Handling Practices
Andrea Polkinghorn, BSN, RN, President, Immunize South Dakota
Innovative Approaches: Community-Centered Strategies for Boosting Vaccine Outreach
Melissa Monbouquette, MPA, Executive Director, BUILD Health Challenge
Speakers
FIND THE CONFERENCE EVALUATION HERE.
Complete the evaluation by Friday, May 16 for a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!