Reminder: The Wisconsin Immunization Program is Requesting Applications for its “Improving Influenza Vaccination Rates through Community Outreach” Grant
The Immunization Program within the Division of Public Health (DPH), Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has published its request for applications (RFA) for the Improving Influenza Vaccination Rates through Community Outreach grant. DHS intends to award the $950,000 grant, provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to 5–10 organizations, each receiving up to $200,000 depending on the scope of work proposed.
Influenza viruses (commonly referred to as the flu) are responsible for many hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. each year. Therefore, annual influenza vaccination is recommended in the U.S. for all individuals aged six months or older. Yet, influenza immunization rates are typically low nationwide and in Wisconsin (<50% on average nationally, and 42% last year in Wisconsin). Furthermore, significant disparities exist in influenza vaccination rates.
These low and disparate influenza immunization rates leave many people vulnerable to severe illness and death from influenza each year but could be particularly devastating this influenza season because of the concurrent COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to severely impact human life (for example, illnesses, deaths, food insecurity, and job loss) and health care resources (for example, shortages in personal protective equipment, ventilators, and hospital beds).
Given the public health ramifications of the concurrent spread of COVID-19 and influenza, interventions are needed, now more than ever, to improve influenza vaccination rates and to reduce disparities in these rates. In light of this need, DHS' Immunization Program invites community groups in Wisconsin to apply for funding to support influenza-related outreach (that is, communication and education) to community groups that have been marginalized and underserved by health care and public health systems and have been disproportionately affected by influenza and/or COVID-19. This work should aim to increase knowledge and awareness of factors such as:
- How influenza spreads.
- The risks associated with influenza infections.
- The safety and effectiveness of the influenza vaccine.
- The normalcy of receiving influenza immunizations.
- Where people and families can go to receive a flu vaccine, especially for those who are under/uninsured.
To Access the Grant Application
Grant applications are due by 4 p.m. CDT on September 28, 2020. To access more information and to apply for this RFA, please follow these steps:
Step 1. Go to DHS' List of Current Grant Funding Opportunities.
Step 2.Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the posting for this specific RFA, “Improving Influenza Vaccination Rates through Community Outreach.”
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Step 3.Click on this RFA’s “Solicitation Link.” |
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Step 4. You will be redirected to this RFA’s posting on the Wisconsin’s Public Notices website where you will find details for applying. |
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