The Immunization Initiative of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MCAAP) is dedicated to fully immunizing Massachusetts children and adolescents against vaccine preventable diseases. This is accomplished through advocacy, collaboration, education, and communication of best practices for optimizing vaccine uptake.
WHO WE ARE
The Immunization Initiative works with MCAAP members and other stakeholders to identify and achieve goals related to improving vaccine access and delivery, awareness and policy. Its membership includes MCAAP members and community partners, such as pediatric healthcare and public health professionals, community leaders, non-profit organizations, vaccine manufacturers, and others who are interested in improving Massachusetts childhood immunization rates.
The MCAAP Immunization Initiative meets two to three times per year. Its membership includes physicians and nurses, MDPH Immunization Program officials, and representatives from organizations interested in improving immunization practices and immunization rates in communities across Massachusetts.
Scroll down to learn more about the Immunization Initiative’s activities.
MANAGING TEAM AND STAFF
Immunization Initiative Medical Director
Lloyd D. Fisher, MD, FAAP
Immunization Initiative Committee
David Norton, MD, FAAP, Co-Chair
Everett Lamm, MD, FAAP, Co-Chair
Immunization Initiative Program Manager
Cynthia McReynolds, MBA
cmcreynolds@mcaap.org
Your participation is welcome and membership in the Immunization Initiative is free! To join, please contact Cynthia McReynolds, Program Manager, MCAAP Immunization Initiative (cmcreynolds@mcaap.org).
WHAT’S NEW AT THE IMMUNIZATION INITIATIVE
Upcoming Events and Meetings
May-June 2026
Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)
2026 DPH Immunization Updates Webinars
Webinar registration will open in April. Click here for more information.
2026 Vaccine Education Webinar Series
Please check back! Upcoming webinars will be posted soon.
Recent Events and Meetings
Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
2026 Vaccine Education Webinar Series
The Road to Elimination: Hep B (HBV) Vaccination Across the Lifespan
Presenters:
Marguerite Beiser, ANP-BC, AAHIVS, Director of HCV Services, Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program
Christy Valle, RN, PhD, CNM, Immunization Public Health Nursing Advisor, Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Webinar recording
Beiser presentation
Valle presentation
Webinar resources
Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 12:00-1:00 PM ET
2026 Vaccine Education Webinar Series
2026 Immunization Schedule Update
Presenters:
Angela Fowler, MD, MPH, Associate Medical Director for Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Everett Lamm, MD, MHCDS, FAAP, Co-Chair, Immunization Initiative Committee, Massachusetts Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics
Webinar recording
Dr. Lamm’s presentation
Dr. Fowler’s presentation
Webinar resources
Please note: CME-CEU credit is not available for listening to the webinar recording.
Immunization News and Resources
Recent News and Publications
2026
- Immunization Update – March 2026 (3/27/26, MCAAP)
- AAP Statement on Historic Ruling in Vaccine Lawsuit (3/16/26, AAP)
- Immunization Update – February 2026 (2/26/26, MCAAP)
- AAP Publishes 2026 Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule (1/26/26, MCAAP)
- AAP Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule Policy Statement
- Childhood Immunization Schedule Update (1/9/26, MCAAP)
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) Guidance on Recommended Reference Materials for Pediatric Immunization Schedules – January 2026 (1/8/26, DPH)
2025
- New codes pave way for payment for immunization counseling when vaccines aren’t administered (12/1/25, AAP News)
- MCAAP Immunization Update – November 2025
- AAP and DPH Response Response on Changes to CDC’s Website on Autism and Vaccines (11/21/25, MCAAP)
- Massachusetts 2025-2026 Respiratory Illness Season COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations (9/17/25)
- Northeast Public Health Collaborative Recommendations for the 2025-2026 COVID-19 Vaccine (9/17/25)
- MDPH Coverage for Vaccines Memo (9/3/25)
- MDPH Standing Order for Dispensing and Administration of COVID-19 vaccine: 2025-2026Â (9/3/25)
- Immunization News! Vaccine Availability in Massachusetts (MCAAPII, 9/5/25)
- Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2025–26 Influenza Season. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. August 28, 2025/74(32);500–507.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – 8/19/25
- The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule published August 19, 2025 can be found here.
- News Releases from the AAP
