Did you know August is Immunization Awareness Month?
As part of our commitment to improving the lives of those living with kidney disease, the Northwest Kidney Council recognizes the critical role vaccinations play in protecting vulnerable individuals. To raise awareness about the amazing work of our partners in this space, we had the privilege of speaking with Carrie Bader, the training director at Boost Oregon.
Carrie’s journey with Boost Oregon began after her role as a policy analyst at the Oregon Health Authority, where she supported COVID-19 response efforts. Through that experience, she learned about Boost Oregon’s mission to empower people with science-based vaccine information. Now, as the training director, she coordinates and facilitates training sessions for providers and advocates, focusing on collaboration and transparency to boost vaccine confidence and uptake.
"Vaccine conversations have become increasingly fraught and polarized," Carrie explains. "However, with the right skills and support, providers can approach these discussions with confidence, leading to positive outcomes. It's incredibly rewarding to hear how much smoother these conversations become after our trainings."
When it comes to the kidney community, Carrie highlights the importance of vaccinations for those on dialysis. "People with kidney disease, especially those on dialysis, often have compromised immune systems, making them more susceptible to dangerous infections like influenza, hepatitis B, and COVID-19," she says. "Boost Oregon can support the health of these communities by training those who engage in vaccine conversations with patients and providing culturally specific educational resources."
Carrie's personal connection to this work is deeply rooted in her role as a mom. "I have a three-year-old daughter, and the decline in childhood vaccination rates worries me,” she said. “I want to do everything I can to keep her healthy and our communities safe. My work with Boost Oregon feels like a way to make a tangible difference."
Boost Oregon is currently focused on several key initiatives, including their motivational interviewing trainings and an animated video series designed to address common vaccine questions in both English and Spanish. They also offer a range of informational resources in various languages, available for bulk print orders or digital download.
For organizations working to promote positive health behaviors, Carrie encourages reaching out to Boost Oregon to explore potential training opportunities. "We also offer free monthly webinars on a variety of vaccine communication topics," she adds. "We’d love to see more people join us in these efforts."
At the Northwest Kidney Council, we understand that the well-being of kidney patients is a multifaceted challenge that requires collaboration and education. Vaccinations are a critical part of this effort, and partnerships with organizations like Boost Oregon help ensure that our community receives the protection and information they need to thrive.
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