Campaign Promotes Intergenerational Action Around Critical Immunizations throughout Life

WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- People of all ages should be talking more and doing more about getting the vaccinations needed to build healthy communities for all generations.  That is the goal of Valuing Vaccines Across the Generations – an awareness campaign Generations United has launched, which is supported by Pfizer.

"We have seen the positive impact of vaccines in preventing and even eliminating diseases over time," said Donna Butts, executive director of Generations United. "This campaign aims to bridge the push for immunizations within segmented groups, such as infants and elders, into an intergenerational conversation within families and among different generations."

Generations United will encourage this lifespan approach to vaccinations beginning in the United States and targeting countries internationally later in 2016.

"It's just as important for babies and children not to pass on diseases to their grandparents and grandfriends as it is for older adults to safe guard against spreading illness to younger loved ones," said Generations United's Board Chair Matthew Melmed, executive director of ZERO TO THREE.

Generations United intends to add a unique perspective advocating for vaccinations as a part of the commitment of caring between generations.

"The so called 'Grandparent Advantage' hinges on elders passing down lessons learned to the next generation so they can build on the past and prosper," said former LeadingAge CEO Larry Minnix, Generations United's past Board chair. "This includes the progress that's been made in preventing and eliminating epidemics through vaccinations." 

Generations United is beginning by partnering with The Gerontological Society of America (GSA), which will provide expert content and avenues for distribution. Additional partners are expected to join the campaign early this year.

"Vaccines are a life-saving intervention for people of all ages," said James Appleby, BSPharm, MPH, GSA Executive Director and CEO.  "We are proud to be a part of a campaign that promotes the value of immunizations throughout the life course."

To begin with, Valuing Vaccines Across the Generations is expected to include:

• An intergenerational discussion guide for grandparents, families and grandfriends, including information about vaccines and their impact throughout history to be released in early 2016;
• Brief video testimonials from people who lived through epidemics;
• Social and traditional media; and
• An informational infographic depicting the value of vaccinations across the ages.

Culturally relevant materials will be translated for countries outside of the U.S. as the campaign expands abroad.

About Generations United
For nearly three decades, Generations United has been the catalyst for policies and practices stimulating cooperation and collaboration among generations, evoking the vibrancy, energy and sheer productivity that result when people of all ages come together.  We believe that we can only be successful in the face of our complex future if generational diversity is regarded as a national asset and fully leveraged. www.gu.org

About The Gerontological Society of America 
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) is the nation's oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging. The principal mission of the Society — and its 5,500+ members — is to advance the study of aging and disseminate information among scientists, decision makers, and the general public.

SOURCE Generations United

Related Links

http://www.gu.org