Immunizations & Advocacy

Overview:

This session will explore the critical role of immunization in public health and address the challenges posed by vaccine hesitancy. Participants will gain insights into the evolution of vaccine development, safety monitoring systems, and the significant public health impact of vaccines. The presentation will also highlight strategies for overcoming misinformation, advocating for vaccination, and increasing immunization rates within communities. Attendees will leave equipped with knowledge and actionable steps to support immunization efforts and improve public health outcomes.

Presenter: Andrea Polkinghorn, BSN, RN​, President, Immunize South Dakota

Andrea Polkinghorn, BSN, RN is the board president for Immunize South Dakota, where she manages the business and affairs of the board. She oversees the coalition, achieving short-term and long -term goals, and presides over coalition meetings. In addition to her role with ISD, Andrea works as the immunization strategy leader for Sanford Health, where she develops and leads the implementation of immunization strategy for all vaccinating locations. She provides oversight and consultation to over 40 medical centers and more than 200 clinics to ensure standardization of immunization practices and appropriate implementation of immunization guidelines and provides ongoing immunization education for staff. Lastly, she is responsible for identifying, analyzing, implementing, and evaluating quality improvement measures to support a robust immunization program. ​

Andrea became passionate about vaccines in 2015 when she found herself questioning vaccines prior to her daughter’s birth. As a nurse, she heard some of her colleagues citing misinformation, which resulted in her questioning vaccine safety. Thankfully, her daughter’s pediatrician educated her about vaccines’ science and safety, and her daughter was vaccinated as recommended and on schedule. As Andrea learned more, she discovered the disparities in some immunization rates, and it ignited a passion within her to do what she can to educate ​and advocate for vaccination. Andrea graduated from South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of ​Science in nursing. She lives in Sioux Falls with her husband, Chris, her three daughters, and their dog, ​Diesel.