Connecticut, Mississippi and Rhode Island have been recognised for targeted programmes designed to improve vaccine coverage, newborn protection and outreach to underserved communities.
The Association of Immunisation Managers has named state health departments in Connecticut, Mississippi and Rhode Island as the winners of its 2026 Bull’s-Eye Award, which recognises immunisation initiatives the group says have delivered measurable results and could be adapted elsewhere. The association said the honours were selected by a peer committee and were intended to spotlight programmes that improve coverage, access and public awareness.
In Connecticut, the state Department of Public Health was recognised for an integrated quality improvement effort built around birth hospitals. According to the announcement, the project was designed to combine several requirements into a single visit, while also producing an annual birth hospital immunisation report and revising a questionnaire used by providers. The department says its immunisation programme works to prevent vaccine-preventable disease through monitoring, provider support and public education.
Mississippi’s award went to “The First Breath Initiative”, which the state said was developed to improve the identification of births to women who are hepatitis B surface antigen positive and to help ensure newborns receive appropriate treatment after exposure to hepatitis B. The health department framed the work as part of a wider effort to reduce perinatal risk and improve outcomes for high-risk mothers and infants. Mississippi’s immunisation programme also oversees vaccine distribution, surveillance, outbreak response and the Vaccines for Children programme.
Rhode Island was honoured for using geospatial analysis to identify localised gaps in MMR coverage, allowing officials to target outreach where vaccination rates are lower. The state health department says its immunisation quality improvement work is aimed at supporting healthcare professionals, increasing vaccine confidence and reducing disparities. AIM executive director Claire Hannan said the winning programmes reflected “incredible work” and could help other members replicate proven practices. The association also gave an honourable mention to the Washington State Department of Health.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
