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Bucks County Immunization Coalition History
In 1993, Rosalyn Carter was advocating "Immunize by 2." Betty Bumper was also vocal about "Every
Child by 2." Federal funding became available for IAP (Immunization Action Plan) which was developed as a
plan to achieve the Healthy People 2000 goals for immunization in the United States.
The Bucks County Childhood Immunization Coalition came together in 1994. A representative from each hospital sat
on the coalition. A large amount of people attended the meetings and the coalition was strong. The focus of the
group in the beginning was to develop and sponsor outlying sites for kids to come and get their vaccinations.
Each of the 7 hospitals sponsored a site. There were clowns, balloons, give-aways, etc for all the attendees.
The day was usually in conjunction with National Infant Immunization Week and held on a Saturday. Large numbers
of children attended the sites. The group felt that the response to these special days warranted starting
regularly scheduled clinics in outlying sites.
By 1999 there were many extra sites open throughout the county in places like Sellersville, Trevose, Warminster,
Glen Hollow, Robert Kelly Family Center, Valley View, and Venice Ashby. The sites were then adjusted to
facilities such as firehouses and community centers. At this time only two outlying sites are active.
The Delaware Valley Immunization Coalition became dynamic and enveloped the SE Pennsylvania region in 1997.
Some members of the BC coalition began attending those meetings also.
In 2006 the Coalition hosted a strategic planning session, changing our emphasis, as stated in our revised
mission, "to improve immunization rates of community members across the lifespan through increased
education, outreach and accessibility."
Then in 2007 we orchestrated the introduction of our mascot, "Bee Diddy" and our action plan to
"Bee Cool; Bee Wise; Bee Immunized."
A "Name That Bee" contest was held for all of the County elementary schools. The winning school,
Churchville Elementary, received a visit from Bee Diddy and his Trusted Bee Keeper, a gift certificate to
Bender's Educational Store, a glitter bug germ machine and a pretzel party for the entire school. Commissioner
Jim Cawley also attended to honor the school in their achievement.
The future of the Coalition will include more events with Bee Diddy and branching further into the community;
to the child daycares and preschools of Bucks County to provide immunization consultant services. Our continued
goal of education will include reaching out to the school nurses and physicians in Bucks County to enhance
collaborative efforts for the families in our community.
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