Reflecting on my first Spring Summit
In late February, over 100 advocates from across the United States gathered in D.C. for the Advocate to Vaccinate Spring Summit. This year, I was lucky enough to join for my first time.
What to Expect at the Shot@Life Champion Summit
The 2024 Shot@Life Champion Summit is just three weeks away! In this post, one of our long-time Champions, Katie Lesser, gives a day-by-day breakdown of what to expect at Summit, from arriving in D.C. to congressional meetings on Capitol Hill!
Cameroon Begins Malaria Vaccine Rollout
Cameroon just became the first country to begin routine immunizations against malaria, with more to follow throughout 2024.
Building Trust in Vaccines with Education
Education and building trust for vaccines around the world, primarily in communities with less information and access, is crucial to ensure that everyone, everywhere has a shot at life. On this International Education Day, we take a moment to reflect on education's role in #VaccinesForAll.
Looking Ahead: Immunization in 2024
2023 was a transformative year for global immunization, and paved the way for more progress in 2024. From novel vaccines being developed and distributed, to nationwide vaccine campaigns already underway, to pledges for routine immunization programs, we enter 2024 with ongoing determination to give everyone a shot at life.
100 Million Doses with the Get a Shot. Give a Shot.© Campaign
This year marks a particularly special milestone in Shot@Life and Walgreen's Get a Shot. Give a Shot.© campaign. The program has now raised enough money to provide 100 million lifesaving vaccines to be administered to children who need them most.
Global Refugee Forum Begins as Refugee Health at Risk
Starting December 13, the Global Refugee Forum will convene refugees and leaders from government, business, and civil society, as record numbers of people continue to be displaced with serious consequences for their health and wellbeing.
World Malaria Report Emphasizes Climate and Vaccines
The WHO's 2023 World Malaria Report discussed the adverse effects of climate change on malaria transmission and the transformative power of vaccines. Now, as we enter 2024, the groundwork is being built for routine immunization against one of the deadliest diseases for children.
Addressing Measles Outbreaks Amidst COVID-19 Recovery
With a decline in measles vaccination rates in the aftermath of the pandemic, the Measles & Rubella Partnership implements new strategies to boost childhood immunization.
Mobilize to Immunize 2023 Recap
This fall, Shot@Life volunteer advocates raised their voices as one to urge Congress to support funding for global immunization. Read more about their amazing collective impact below.
Champions Spotlight: Jonathan Levenson
This Veterans's Day, we sat down with long time Shot@Life Champion Commander Jonathan Levenson to discuss his journey through vaccination advocacy. Jonathan is currently the Director for Healthcare Business at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and has served as a critical care nurse in the US Navy for 20 years.
Nigeria to Vaccinate Nearly 8 Million Girls Against HPV
In October, Nigeria added the HPV vaccine to its routine immunization program, aiming to reach 7.7 million girls in the largest single round of HPV vaccination in Africa.
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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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