Champion Spotlight: Aaron Connolly
First-time advocate and Cornell University master's student Aaron Connolly highlights how his advocacy work has shaped his interest in the policy side of public health.
Three Women in Vaccine Science We Look Up To
As we commemorate International Women’s Day this year, we want to spotlight a few inspiring women who highlight that we all have the power to make a difference and advocate for the issues that we are passionate about.
Shot@Life’s 12th Spring Summit Highlights
Last week, nearly 100 Champions came to D.C. to hear from global health experts and meet with members of Congress on Capitol Hill, spreading the message that we need lifesaving #VaccinesForAll.
Creating Great First Impressions with Members of Congress
Start your vaccine advocacy by creating or reigniting relationships with your members of Congress.
9 Do’s and 1 Don’t for the Shot@Life Champion Summit
With the Shot@Life Champion Summit in Washington, D.C. quickly approaching, I wanted to offer some insider information to help you prepare for the exciting event. Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you make the most of your summit experience.
Champion Spotlight: Ilina Ewen
Ilina Ewen is a longtime Shot@Life advocate who calls herself an “OG Champion.” She wears many hats — advocate, writer, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, mom, and Shot@Life Champion.
Happy Birthday, FDR – A Celebration and Reminder
On the 141st anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's birth, UN Foundation's Peter Yeo reflects on his life as a polio survivor and his legacy as a leader in that fight.
New Year’s Resolution: Vaccine Advocacy
In this guest blog, nurse and Shot@Life Champion Tricia Souza writes about her New Year's resolution: advocating for vaccine access.
Polio Vaccines Protect Children and Families from Hardship
A Shot@Life means every child and every family the best possible opportunity to thrive, without the pain of diseases like polio.
Champion Spotlight: Mariam Bahova
Growing up in the Republic of Guinea and now working in global health, Shot@Life Champion Mariam Bahova has a unique perspective on what access to vaccines means to individuals, communities, and the world.
Mobilize to Immunize 2022 Recap
Shot@Life advocates mobilized policymakers to invest in world immunization programs through the six week advocacy period Mobilize to Immunize this past fall.
Happy Thanksgiving from Shot@Life
The Shot@Life team reflects on what they're thankful for with the Thanksgiving holidays quickly approaching.
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In 2024, 120 million people were displaced—leaving millions of children without lifesaving immunizations.
A new WHO report has confirmed what we already know: immunization coverage collapses in crisis settings. When families flee, routine immunization is one of the first things lost, putting children at risk of preventable diseases in the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
Our #HealthyStart for Refugee Children initiative is working to change that. Get involved today at shotatlife.org/healthystart
Feb 20
The U.S. withdrew from @who. #NYC joined it anyway.
In the face of federal pullback and changing vaccine guidance, New York just plugged directly into the WHO’s global outbreak and response network, alongside California, Illinois, and a growing coalition of states.
Networks like these aren’t symbolic. They’re how local health authorities ensure they get early warnings on emerging pathogens, up-to-date immunization guidance, and access to epidemiologists when outbreaks hit.
Local action can help fill national gaps—because health isn’t political.
Feb 18
We were honored to be joined by @SenJohnCurtis, recipient of our 2026 Congressional Champion Award, at our National Advocacy Summit.
We are grateful for his leadership and commitment to global health. American global health programs save lives around the world and keep Americans safe from dangerous diseases. Thanks to leaders like Senator Curtis, they continue to enjoy bipartisan support in Washington and continue to deliver for our country and the world.
Feb 12
That’s a wrap on the Shot@Life and United to Beat Malaria National Advocacy Summit, and once again, we are blown away by the dedication, inspiration, and passion spread by you, our global health Champions.
Nearly 100 of our top advocates—representing key districts across 38 states—came together to deliver urgent messages to Congress about the importance of global immunization and malaria prevention. In these times of uncertainty and newfound challenges to global health, raising our voices is more important than ever to ensure a safer, healthier world for all.
Stay tuned—our bi-annual advocacy mobilization is fast approaching, and we need YOUR help to keep the momentum! #GlobalHealthforUS #GlobalHealthStartsWithMe
Feb 11
From a powerful keynote address by former U.S. Surgeon General @jeromeadamsmd to some face time with the creator of a vaccine that’s saved millions, day one of the first-ever Shot@Life and United to Beat Malaria National Advocacy Summit was nothing short of inspiring!
Champions got a peek behind the curtain at the current global health landscape—from innovations to renewed collaboration—and bolstered today’s advocacy with stories from experts in the field.
Here’s to #HealthforAll! 💚🧡
Feb 10
The time has come! Tune in next week as we welcome Champions for our first-ever joint National Advocacy Summit with @unitedtobeatmalaria. For those following along from home, stay tuned for other ways to get involved.
To those joining us in D.C., we can’t wait to see you! Your advocacy is more important now than ever before. #GlobalHealthforUS
Feb 6
In today’s global health environment, fostering relationships and telling YOUR story is more powerful than ever.
Hear from @rameshferris, polio survivor and advocate, about the importance of connection. After all, teamwork makes the dream work!
Feb 5
In 2025, only 39 cases of naturally occurring wild poliovirus were recorded, down from 350,000 annually in the 1980s, thanks to vaccines and global cooperation.
But polio eradication presents a catch-22: the live oral vaccine that’s been so effective can rarely mutate and cause vaccine-derived polio in under-vaccinated areas. High vaccination rates everywhere are critical to preventing this phenomenon, and bringing a decades-long global eradication campaign to the finish line. #endpolio
Feb 4
Cervical cancer is preventable—and the HPV vaccine is why.
As #CervicalCancer Awareness Month comes to a close, the message is simple: we have the tools to end cervical cancer in this lifetime.
Learn more about the HPV vaccine with a familiar face, College Ambassador @wxjiha.
Jan 30
Investing in organizations like @gavialliance isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the necessary thing to do.
As we ramp up to our National Advocacy Summit with @unitedtobeatmalaria, hear from Chloe Cooney, Director of U.S. Strategy for Gavi, to learn why.
Jan 29
According to a new @thelancetgroup study: during COVID-19, as real world evidence on vaccine safety and effectiveness grew, vaccine hesitancy dropped sharply.
65% of initially hesitant individuals ultimately chose vaccination.
Vaccine confidence isn’t build overnight—but new studies show it CAN be built. Trust grows when clear public health communications are made accessible.
Jan 28
Entering 2026, the cholera crisis continues: 600K cases across 31 countries were reported last year alone.
Current vaccines help, but stockpiles are falling short, two doses are needed, and they’re not 100% effective in children under 5—our world’s most vulnerable.
Here’s the hope though: a novel single-dose vaccine has shown promising results in phase 1 trials. Unlike existing vaccines, all recipients in the trial developed antibodies that could kill the cholera bacterium entirely, suggesting stronger protection.
While we wait for further trials, remember: vaccines are just one tool. The real cure isn’t in a vial, but in access to safe water and sanitation. 💧
Jan 23
Become a Shot@Life Champion
Are you ready to increase your commitment to fight for global vaccine equity? Sign up for an advocacy training and become a Shot@Life Champion!
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