Nebraska immunization task force advocates for better vaccine access, education

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – A volunteer task force, made up of healthcare providers across Nebraska, is getting the support of Governor Jim Pillen in bolstering awareness for immunizations.

This week, the Chair of Nebraska’s Immunization Task Force, Andrew Raduechel, joined Governor Pillen as he signed a proclamation for National Immunization Awareness Month in August.

It’s a show of support for the coalition, which has spent more than 30 years working to improve access to vaccines by combatting educational and financial barriers in Nebraska communities.

“Vaccines are really safe and effective. There’s a lot of misinformation out there about vaccines,” said Raduechel, who is also the Director of Pharmacy at Boys Town National Research Hospital.

Boys Town is one of various healthcare providers, such as Children’s Nebraska, CHI Health, Methodist Health System, and other community groups, agencies, and medical scientists on the task force.

“Really, we’re looking for outreach across the state. We’re slowly adding more and more folks from central and western Nebraska,” said Raduechel.

Raduechel said routine vaccination rates are slowly coming back after falling during the pandemic, but they’re still seeing some hesitancy.

“The risks side of it has been largely overblown. A lot of people are scared to get the vaccines, because they think they’re going to have some adverse event, when it just simply isn’t true and it’s incredibly rare,” told Raduechel.

Raduechel added that feeling a little sick after getting a COVID or influenza shot is normal and common. “It means it’s creating a response in your body, that’s a good thing. Having that protection is much better than actually experiencing that disease at some point,” said Raduechel.

He said COVID still poses a significant health risk. “We just saw some statistics where the fatality from COVID is three-times that of flu still with the new strain,” explained Raduechel.

The FDA approved updated COVID-19 vaccines on Thursday that protect against new strains. A combination COVID-flu shot will not be available this year, but Raduechel said it’s likely on the horizon.

“We don’t have anything for the 2024-25 season. We’re hopefully though that certainly will help with rates of people getting the vaccine. One less decision, one less shot,” said Raduechel.

If you’re unsure about a vaccine, it’s recommended that you have a conversation with a healthcare professional you trust.

For those who are uninsured or underinsured, the Douglas County Health Department hosts an immunization clinic for children every Tuesday morning and also offers appointments for adults.

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