Basic Functions
The Chapter Immunization Representative (CIR) is a voluntary position that serves as an immunization expert and contact for chapter immunization activities. The ideal candidate is a pediatrician, member of the AAP and chapter, and has direct experience and/or familiarity delivering vaccines and working with the Vaccines For Children (VFC) program.
The CIR assists in the development and coordination of chapter immunization activities and educational programs; provides technical assistance to chapter leadership, staff and members and other health professionals on immunization-related topics; communicates with the state immunization program; and serves as a liaison between the chapter and national AAP on immunization issues.
Role Description
Chapter Immunization Representative
Basic Functions
The Chapter Immunization Representative (CIR) is a voluntary position that serves as an immunization expert and contact for chapter immunization activities. The ideal candidate is a pediatrician, member of the AAP and chapter, and has direct experience and/or familiarity delivering vaccines and working with the Vaccines For Children (VFC) program.
The CIR assists in the development and coordination of chapter immunization activities and educational programs; provides technical assistance to chapter leadership, staff and members and other health professionals on immunization-related topics; communicates with the state immunization program; and serves as a liaison between the chapter and national AAP on immunization issues.
Responsibilities*
- Serve as a communication liaison between the national AAP and the AAP chapter on immunization issues, providing information about the state immunization program or other immunizations needs/barriers experienced by chapter members.
- Assist in the planning and development of immunization-focused educational sessions at chapter and/or district meetings.
- Serve as the primary chapter point-of-contact for the state immunization program (eg, Immunization Information Systems, VFC, etc.), including but not limited to the following:
- Be knowledgeable about the local VFC program policies and procedures; serve as a contact person for chapter members
- Collate and communicate practical issues with implementing VFC guidance or other immunization-related issues and identify themes or opportunities for additional discussion
- Develop relationships with state immunization program staff and address issues and themes brought forward by chapter colleagues for discussion, including issues/needs with the Immunization Information System
- Be familiar with state regulations relating to immunizations, including but not limited to the following:
- Exemptions
- VFC operations
- Payment Issues
- Vaccine administration (eg, who is permitted to administer vaccines)
- Participate in:
- The CIR Listserv
- Webinars and/or conference calls for CIRs
- Annual chapter meeting (may be held in-person)
* Note: your chapter may have additional expectations of your involvement with the chapter.
Term
- CIRs will serve for 2 years. Terms can be renewed.
Chapters may create a working group of pediatricians and staff to cover all areas of expertise. One member of the group will serve as the main point of contact to national AAP.
Benefits to Chapters:
- Increased communication and sharing of work and resources on immunization issues with the national AAP
- Leadership and professional development opportunities for chapter members
- Dedicated point of contact for chapter members on immunization issues
- Potential for enhanced or improved relationships with public health and/or state immunization program
- Enhanced understanding of state-specific successes, challenges, and opportunities among national AAP.
Responsibilities, Term and Benefits
Responsibilities*
- Serve as a communication liaison between the national AAP and the AAP chapter on immunization issues, providing information about the state immunization program or other immunizations needs/barriers experienced by chapter members.
- Assist in the planning and development of immunization-focused educational sessions at chapter and/or district meetings.
- Serve as the primary chapter point-of-contact for the state immunization program (eg, Immunization Information Systems, VFC, etc.), including but not limited to the following:
- Be knowledgeable about the local VFC program policies and procedures; serve as a contact person for chapter members
- Collate and communicate practical issues with implementing VFC guidance or other immunization-related issues and identify themes or opportunities for additional discussion
- Develop relationships with state immunization program staff and address issues and themes brought forward by chapter colleagues for discussion, including issues/needs with the Immunization Information System
- Be familiar with state regulations relating to immunizations, including but not limited to the following:
- Exemptions
- VFC operations
- Payment Issues
- Vaccine administration (eg, who is permitted to administer vaccines)
- Participate in:
- The CIR Listserv
- Webinars and/or conference calls for CIRs
- Annual chapter meeting (may be held in-person)
* Note: your chapter may have additional expectations of your involvement with the chapter.
Term
- CIRs will serve for 2 years. Terms can be renewed.
Chapters may create a working group of pediatricians and staff to cover all areas of expertise. One member of the group will serve as the main point of contact to national AAP.
Benefits to Chapters
- Increased communication and sharing of work and resources on immunization issues with the national AAP
- Leadership and professional development opportunities for chapter members
- Dedicated point of contact for chapter members on immunization issues
- Potential for enhanced or improved relationships with public health and/or state immunization program
- Enhanced understanding of state-specific successes, challenges, and opportunities among national AAP.