2026 Kansas Immunization Conference
Pre-conference: May 19
General Session: May 20
Wichita Marriott
The Kansas Immunization Conference is Kansas' statewide conference for healthcare professionals who support healthy communities through immunizations. It brings together participants from physician offices, clinics, pharmacies, hospitals, local health departments and beyond to strengthen partnerships and share best practices that protect Kansas communities.
Accommodations
Wichita Marriott for $124.00 per night - Last Day to Book: Tuesday, May 05, 2026
Book Online
Call for Nominations!
We are searching for the next Kansas Immunization Champion and need help. If you know someone in your community who is fostering immunizations, please help us honor and recognize their efforts!
The Immunization Champion Award recognizes individuals who are working at the local level and is hosted by the Association of Immunization Managers (AIM). The national award honors those doing an exemplary job or going above and beyond to promote or foster immunization in their community for children and adults.
Anyone can nominate an Immunization Champion. Champions are selected by their local or state immunization programs, who evaluate nominees by the following criteria: leadership, collaboration, innovation, and/or advocacy. Learn more about this prestigious award and access the nomination form here.
Nominations must be submitted by June 4, 2026, and the champion will be notified in early August.
Champion Eligibility:
Individuals can be recognized for their work in childhood, adolescent, or adult vaccinations.
Who is eligible?
- Health care professionals (i.e., pharmacists, physicians, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, medical assistants)
- Nonprofit leaders
- Community activists
- Parents
- School and education leaders
- Coalition members
- Community-based organization members
- Immunization partners
For a list of complete ineligibility criteria, review the ineligibility section of the nomination form here.
If you have any questions or to submit nominations, please contact Krissi O’Dell, Immunization Nurse Educator, via email at Krissi.odell@ks.gov.
Additional information can also be found at Immunization Champion Awards - Association of Immunization Managers.
The Kansas Immunization Program has been getting questions regarding the expiration dates of multi-dose vials. Polio vaccine wastage has become a concern when doing monthly vaccine inventory for VFC. We decided to “Ask the Experts” from Immunize.org.
|
What are the CDC guidelines regarding use of multiple dose vaccine vials?
|
| |
|
Vaccines in multidose vials (MDVs) that do not require reconstitution can be used through the expiration date printed on the label provided the vaccine is not contaminated, unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise. For example, inactivated polio vaccine in an MDV can be used through the expiration date on the vial.
Multi-dose vials of Polio should be stored between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C) and doses should be withdrawn with a new, sterile needle and syringe each time the vial is accessed. As long as the vial is stored within recommended temperatures, accessed as directed, and continues to have a normal appearance, the vial can be used through the expiration date. See Ipol - Stability and storage for more information.
Additional resources:
Package Insert - IPOL (fda.gov)
|
Don't Be Guilty of These Preventable Errors in Vaccine Storage and Handling!
Influenza activity in Kansas has returned to baseline levels after peaking in late December. During the week ending April 11, 2026, 1.2% of visits reported by participating Influenza-Like Illness Surveillance Network (ILINet) providers were due to influenza-like illness (ILI), defined as fever (≥100°F) with cough and/or sore throat (Figure 1). Emergency department discharge data captured through syndromic surveillance indicated that 1.1% of emergency department visits in Kansas were associated with ILI (Figure 2).
 Figure 1. Percentage of Visits for ILI Reported by ILINet Sites, Kansas, October 2025 – Present
 Figure 2. Percentage of ED Visits for ILI Reported to ESSENCE, Kansas, October 2025 – Present
During the week ending April 11, 2026, the Kansas Health and Environment Laboratories (KHEL) detected influenza in zero specimens. Influenza A(H3) remains the predominant strain detected among specimens submitted by Kansas facilities. Wastewater surveillance data from participating sites in three Kansas counties indicates that currently, influenza A levels are low and influenza B levels are low.
As of April 25, 2026, there was one active influenza outbreaks across the state. A total of 116 influenza outbreaks have been reported during the 2025-2026 season so far. Outbreaks of influenza and other reportable diseases should be reported to the KDHE Epidemiology Hotline at (877) 427-7317 within four hours of suspicion.
Resources:
HIV and Pregnancy May 7, 2026 at 11:00 CST
"On-Demand" HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis May 7, 2026 at 12:00 CST
Kansas Fights Addiction ECHO: Starting MOUD in Primary Care May 12, 2026 at 12:00 CST
Click here for our full training list.
|