2026 Kansas Immunization Conference
Pre-Conference: May 19
General Session: May 20
Wichita Marriott
Mark your calendars for the 2026 Kansas Immunization Conference
With severe weather season approaching, the risk of power outages increases—putting vaccine supply at risk. Taking time now to review storage and handling practices can help ensure you’re ready to respond quickly and effectively when needed.
Review Your Emergency Plan
Make sure your facility has an up-to-date emergency storage and handling plan. Review roles and responsibilities with staff and confirm that all emergency contact information is current and easy to access.
Check Your Pack-Out Supplies
If a power outage or equipment failure occurs, having supplies ready is critical.
Be sure you have the following:
- A portable vaccine refrigerator and freezer OR
- A qualified pack-out container specifically designed for vaccine transport OR
- Emergency pack-out supplies, including:
- Adequate insulated containers (e.g., Styrofoam vaccine shipping containers or coolers)
- Properly conditioned frozen and refrigerated packs or water bottles
- Packing materials (e.g., bubble wrap, cardboard) to protect vaccines
In addition, you must have:
- A temperature monitoring device (digital data logger)
Keep all materials organized and easily accessible so you can act without delay.
Confirm Equipment and Monitoring
Ensure storage units are functioning properly, and temperature monitoring devices are in place and working correctly. Verify that data loggers are up to date and that staff understand how to identify and respond to temperature excursions.
Plan for Transport and Backup Storage
Determine where vaccines will be relocated if necessary and outline how they will be transported. The designated backup location must have qualified storage units that maintain appropriate temperatures for both refrigerated and frozen vaccines. Staff should be trained and familiar with proper transport procedures to preserve vaccine viability during movement. If transport to the backup location is required, the digital data logger must accompany the vaccines. Providers are responsible for ensuring vaccines remain within recommended temperature ranges at all times, regardless of storage location.
Prepare Your Team
Emergency readiness depends on a well-informed team. Review procedures with staff and ensure those responsible for vaccine management are confident in their roles during an outage.
Preparing now can help prevent vaccine loss and protect patient safety. A little planning today can make a big difference when severe weather strikes.
Related links:
KIP Policy and Procedure Manual 2025
Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit - 2024
Vaccine Storage Emergency Response Worksheet
Adolescent Immunization Action Week (AIAW) is observed April 6-10, 2026, and serves as a great reminder that vaccines aren’t just for young children—teens need protection too. Staying up to date on recommended vaccines helps keep adolescents healthy, in school, and ready for the future.
Vaccines such as Tdap, meningococcal, HPV, and the annual flu shot protect against serious diseases that can spread quickly in schools and communities. With busy schedules and fewer routine check-ups during the teen years, it’s easy for immunizations to fall behind.
To raise awareness and encourage conversations about adolescent vaccination, the Unity Consortium provides a Partner Toolkit with posters, flyers, ready-to-use graphics, sample newsletters and social media templates. Spanish versions are available, and materials can be customized to meet your needs.
Healthcare providers across Kansas play a vital role in protecting communities. Your recommendation makes the difference.
Let’s work together to keep Kansas teens healthy, protected, and on track for a strong future.
The Kansas Immunization Program has created a new Program Funding Guidance Flyer to help partners better understand how immunization funds are used. It provides clear guidance on allowable activities, program implementation, and reporting expectations, helping partners align funding with program goals and meet requirements. The flyer is designed for Vaccines for Children / Vaccines for Adults Program enrolled providers, offering practical tips to track progress and ensure accountability. Overall, it is a useful tool to support consistent, transparent, and effective use of immunization funding across Kansas.
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