2026 Kansas Immunization Conference
Pre-Conference: May 19
General Session: May 20
Wichita Marriott
Mark your calendars for the 2026 Kansas Immunization Conference
The Kansas Immunization Program (KIP) has recently encountered instances in which Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declined to authorize replacement for vaccine compromised in transit (from the distributor to the provider) due to provider non-compliance with reporting requirements outlined in the KIP Policy and Procedure Manual. In these cases, KIP is required to replace these doses, creating an avoidable financial impact to the program.
Delivery Dates and Hours of Operation
Publicly funded vaccine is delivered based on the hours entered in KSWebIZ. The provider site must be open for at least 4 hours a day other than Monday to receive deliveries. Providers must update KSWebIZ anytime hours change (including temporary changes) and confirm hours are correct before placing an order.
What to do When Receiving a Shipment
Providers must have trained staff onsite to receive vaccine shipments immediately and maintain the cold chain. Clinics should have clear procedures, so deliveries are recognized right away, the vaccine coordinator is notified, and vaccines are unpacked, inspected, checked against the packing list, and stored without delay. Staff should also verify diluents and storage requirements (including separate handling for varicella-containing vaccine diluent), check expiration dates, and review any included cold chain monitor for transit temperature issues. Vaccine shipping containers should never be left unpacked or unattended. If vaccines and diluents get too warm, they cannot be used. Be sure all facility staff know vaccine deliveries require immediate attention.
Vaccine Compromised During Shipment
If it is believed a vaccine shipment was compromised or did not arrive as scheduled, the provider must contact the Regional Immunization Nurse or email KDHE.vaccine@ks.gov immediately.
Providers should also contact:
- Centralized distributor shipment: Providers should contact centralized distribution immediately at 1-877-TEMP123 (1-877-836-7123). This must be done on the same day the vaccines are scheduled to arrive. Failure to contact the central distributor within 24 hours may result in the provider being held responsible for avoidable vaccine loss.
- Direct shipment from manufacturer: Providers should immediately contact the manufacturer at merck.com if there are concerns about a shipment. Failure to notify the manufacturer within 24 hours may result in the provider being held financially responsible for avoidable vaccine loss. KIP will coordinate directly with the manufacturer regarding questions related to storage temperatures or temperature excursions for specific vaccines. Manufacturers have access to internal thermostability data on the impact of exposure to improper temperatures or light for each vaccine lot.
If you have any questions, please contact KDHE.vaccine@ks.gov.
The North Dakota State University Center for Immunization Research and Education offers an archived webinar titled “Supporting Vaccine Decisions Through Shared Clinical Decision-Making”. Shared clinical decision-making (SCDM) is becoming an important approach in vaccination guidance, helping healthcare providers engage patients when recommendations are individualized and personal risk factors and preferences should be considered.
As vaccine recommendations continue to evolve, understanding when and how to apply SCDM is essential for immunization professionals. This webinar, presented by Elizabeth Skoy and Andrea Polkinghorn, explores the background and clinical application of SCDM in vaccines, defines provider and patient roles in the decision-making process, and discusses system-level strategies for implementation in clinical practice.
This activity is available at no cost and offers continuing medical education (CME) credit.
Finding immunization related resources or answers to vaccine related questions can be challenging. Immunize.org is a helpful one-stop shop for immunization information. From Ask the Experts, which addresses thousands of vaccine-related questions, to IZ Express, a free weekly newsletter, Immunize.org offers a wide range of trusted resources. You can also find Vaccine Information Statements (VISs), VIS translations, standing orders, and other resources.
If you are looking for websites or resources to share with patients that provide accurate vaccine information, consider Let’s Get Real, VaccineInformation.org, or the Clinical Resource Library. With more than 50,000 subscribers, IZ Express delivers current immunization information right to your inbox.
If you have not visited Immunize.org recently, now is a great time to take another look. It remains a valuable resource for immunization professionals and patients alike.
Join us in-person or Livestream on April 15-16, 2026, in Kansas City, Kansas for the TB Program Management Intensive, an interactive training designed to equip TB program managers and individuals who support TB program management with essential skills and strategies for effective program leadership.
Who Should Attend: Public health professionals, TB program managers, and healthcare workers involved in tuberculosis control who are aiming to strengthen their knowledge, skills, and leadership in TB prevention, case management, and who program implementation.
What You’ll Learn:
- Key responsibilities of the TB program manager
- Epidemiological decision-making strategies
- Strategies to improve data quality and completeness
- Legal framework governing TB control
- Laboratory network structures
- Case management tools
- Purpose and scope of contact investigations
- Community resources
Available Credit:
- 14.00 ANCC
- 14.00 IPCE
- 14.00 Attendance
Apply Here
Application Deadline is April 3, 2026
Please feel free to email TBcenter@mayo.edu with any questions.
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