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Immunization

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Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division

651-201-5414

IDEPC Comment Form

Contact Info

Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division

651-201-5414

IDEPC Comment Form

Immunization Conference 2026

Trust in Every Dose: Rebuilding Confidence, Strengthening Communities

The Minnesota Department of Health is bringing back our biennial immunization conference. The conference will bring together health care providers, public health professionals, and community partners to share best practices, learn from each other, and form collaborative relationships to strengthen their communities.

The conference will be held April 20-21, at the Heritage Center located at 6155 Earle Brown Drive in Brooklyn Center.

Objectives

By the end of this conference, you will be able to:

Navigate difficult conversations with patients and families and learn strategies to combat vaccine misinformation.
Describe how cross-sector collaboration can be leveraged to address immunization coverage gaps post-pandemic.
Access and utilize data to understand, and more effectively direct, priority community outreach efforts.
Describe public vaccine program resources and apply approaches that reduce barriers and support equitable access to immunizations.
List at least three immunization best practices that can be implemented in your organization.
Gain perspective on the national vaccine recommendations and what it means in practice.

Agenda at a glance

Download a one-page, PDF version formatted for print:
Trust in Every Dose: Rebuilding Confidence, Strengthening Communities Conference Agenda (PDF)

Pre-Conference: Monday, April 20, 2026

Time	Session information
7:30 – 8:00 a.m.	Pre-conference workshop registration and check-in
7:30 – 8:30 a.m.	Breakfast (pre-conference workshop attendees only)
8:30 – 11:00 a.m.	Pre-conference Workshop: Building Vaccine Confidence Through Empathy Karen Ernst, MA, Voices for Vaccine

Day 1: Monday, April 20, 2026

Time	Session information
11:30 – 12:30 p.m.	Conference registration, check-in, and exhibits
1:00 – 1:15 p.m.	Conference welcome
1:15 – 2:15 p.m.	Plenary: From Trusted Messenger to Essential Messenger: Cutting Through Vaccine Chaos Demetre C. Daskalakis, MD, MPH, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center
2:15 – 3:00 p.m.	Break, exhibits, and networking
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.	Plenary: Trust, Transparency, and Vaccines: A Candid Conversation Moderator: Ruth Lynfield, MD, Minnesota Department of Health Michael T. Osterholm, PhD, MPH, Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy
4:00 – 4:15 p.m.	Break and exhibits
4:15 – 5:15 p.m.	Breakout session 1 (five options) Vaccine Hesitancy Among Black Minnesotans: Historical Causes, Contemporary Challenges, and Potential Solutions Inari Mohammed, PhD, MPH, Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health Analytics in Action: Tools Advancing Measles Response Margo Wheatley, MS, PhD, and Alise Mendoza MS Biostatistics Student, University of Minnesota; Ben Christianson, MPH, Minnesota Department of Health The Art and Science of Vaccine Conversations Carly Edson, MPH and Tabitha Hanson, DNP, MPH, RN, NBCSN, Minnesota Department of Health Pediatric Vaccine Conversations: Addressing Common Concern Moderator: Kathleen Thielen, MAN, RN, PHN, Minnesota Department of Health Tracie Newman, MD, MPH, FAAP, Medical Director, Center for Immunization Research and Education, North Dakota State University Local Public Health Spotlight Moderator: Jessica Metzger, MSN, RN, PHN, Minnesota Department of Health Holly Blilie, BSN, RN, PHN, Polk County Public Health, Alisa Beckman, MSN, RN, PHN, Otter Tail County Public Health, and Paul Van Gorp, MD, CentraCare Health System Long Prairie & Todd County Public Health

Day 2: Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Time	Session information
7:30 – 8:15 a.m.	Registration and check-in, breakfast, and exhibits
8:15 – 8:45 a.m.	MDH Immunization Program Update Margaret Roddy, MPH, Minnesota Department of Health
8:45 – 9:45 a.m.	Plenary: Not Your Normal Clinic Visit. Building Vaccine Confidence and Access in Priority Communities Moderator: Annie Fedorowicz, MPH, Minnesota Department of Health Panel: Sheyanga Beecher, MSN, MPH, CNP-Pediatrics, Hennepin Healthcare, Munira MaalimIsaq, FNP, DNP-c, Inspire Change Clinic, Chris Lee, Upper Sioux Community
9:45 – 10:00 a.m.	Break and exhibits
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.	Breakout session 2 (five options) The Art and Science of Vaccine Conversations Carly Edson, MPH and Tabitha Hanson, DNP, MPH, RN, NBCSN, Minnesota Department of Health MIIC Check, 1-2-3: Data Quality, Immunization Coverage, and Outreach Strategies Naomi Jiter, MPH and Taylor Campbell, Minnesota Department of Health School Immunization: Insights, Innovations, and Impact Moderator: Hanna Ljungman, MPH, Minnesota Department of Health Carissa Carlson, RN, Lake Park Audubon School District, Candi Schafer, RN, PHN, Faribault & Martin Counties Health and Human Services Beyond the Needle: Immunization Tips, Tools, and Resources Moderator: Lisa Parker, BSN, RN, PHN, Minnesota Department of Health Kathleen Thielen, MAN, RN, PHN and Sarah Spah, MSN, RN, PHN, Minnesota Department of Health Local Public Health Spotlight Moderator: Jessica Metzger, MSN, RN, PHN, Minnesota Department of Health Jessica Elofson, RN, PHN, MPH, Nicollet County Health and Human Services, Cynthia Hiltz, MS, RN, PHN, LSN, NCSN, FNASN, Anoka County, and Kirsten Ramirez, MPH, BSN, PHN, Washington County Public Health & Environment
11:00 – 11:30 a.m.	Break, refreshments, and exhibits
11:30 – 12:30 p.m.	Breakout session 3 (five options) Yes…and. Thinking on your feet, and how improv skills can be helpful during difficult conversations Cast members from Danger Boat Productions (session maximum is 60 participants) MIIC Check, 1-2-3: Data Quality, Immunization Coverage, and Outreach Strategies Naomi Jiter, MPH and Taylor Campbell, Minnesota Department of Health No Thanks Doc: Tools to Improve Difficult Vaccine Conversations in the Medical Encounter Moderator: Jessica Metzger, MSN, RN, PHN, Minnesota Department of Health Panel: Maeve Williams, Vaccine Education Project Manager, Center for Immunization Research and Education, Department of Public Health, Tracie Newman, MD, MPH, FAAP, Center for Immunization Research and Education, North Dakota State University, Shar Valentine MD, FAAP, Essentia Health, Robert M. Jacobson, MD, FAAP, Mayo Clinic VPDs Outbreak Response: Clinic to Community Moderator: Kelsey Seiler, MPH, Minnesota Department of Health Panel: Gail Gustavson, MPH, Maria Pacheco, MPH, DrPH and Meghan Sickel, MPH, Minnesota Department of Health, Regina Gavin, MPH, Dakota County Public Health, Krista Hagen, MD, Southdale Pediatrics Beyond the Needle: Immunization Tips, Tools, and Resources Moderator: Lisa Parker, BSN, RN, PHN, Minnesota Department of Health Kathleen Thielen, MAN, RN, PHN and Sarah Spah, MSN, RN, PHN, Minnesota Department of Health
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.	Lunch
1:30 – 2:15 p.m.	Plenary: The Importance of Vaccines in Pregnancy: Safety and Effectiveness Malini B. DeSilva, MD, MPH, HealthPartners Institute
2:15 – 2:30 p.m.	Break and exhibits
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.	Plenary: Strengthening Trust and Confidence in Immunization: Answering Questions from Clinical Colleagues Robert M. Jacobson, MD, FAAP, Mayo Clinic

Organizations will be able to register a group of people at the same time with one payment. You will need each participant's name, contact information, and any dietary restriction or accommodation information at the time of registration.

Pre-conference Workshop cost

$100 plus taxes and fees

This cost includes:

Workshop session on April 20, 2026, from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. with breakfast beforehand between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m.
2.5 hours (CEUs)

Conference cost

Early bird (on or before March 20, 2026): $200 plus taxes and fees

After March 20, 2026: $240 plus taxes and fees

This cost includes:

Main conference access on April 20, 2026, from 1:00 to 5:15 p.m. and April 21 from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (review full agenda for registration and check-in times)
Access to all educational sessions
Entry to the exhibit hall
Conference materials
Meals:
- Light breakfast and lunch (April 21)
- Afternoon snacks (April 20 and 21)
8.5 hours (CEUs)

This activity has been designed to meet the Minnesota Board of Nursing requirements for up to 11 hours of continuing education units (CEUs) if you attend both the pre-conference workshop and main conference. However, each attendee is responsible for determining whether or not this activity meets their requirements for acceptable continuing education.

Registration will close on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Cancellation policy

Full Refund: If MDH finds it necessary to cancel the pre-conference workshop or main conference, a full refund will be issued.
Partial Refund (fee minus $25): If a participant needs to cancel, MDH must receive notification at least 3 business days prior to the first day of the pre-conference workshop or main conference.

If you need to request a refund, contact our conference planning team via email at health.immconf@state.mn.us.

Online registration

Save the date. Online registration coming soon!

Showcase your organization and connect with conference attendees by exhibiting at this year’s conference. Exhibitor options and fees are listed below.

Option 1: Large organizations and vendors
- $2,000 plus taxes and fees and includes registration for two people along with an 8-foot table with two chairs.
Option 2: Government, non-profit and community-based organizations
- $450 plus taxes and fees and includes registration for one person and an 8-foot table with two chairs.

Save the date. Online registration coming soon!

For attendees requiring overnight accommodations, a special block of rooms have been secured at the Embassy Suites Minneapolis North, conveniently attached to the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center at 6300 Earle Brown Drive in Brooklyn Center. Rooms are available at the discounted rate of $119 per night plus 14.525% tax.

To secure this special rate, reservations must be made by 3/20/26. To book by phone, call (763) 560-2700 and ask to book room under the [CES917] code, or to book online visit Available Rooms - Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis North.

Arrival is April 19, 2026, and Departure is April 21, 2026.  Check-in is 3:00 p.m. and Check-out is 12:00 p.m.

The cancellation policy is 72 hours prior to arrival. Limited rooms are available at this rate, so booking early is recommended.

The 2026 Immunization Conference will be held at the Heritage Center; 6155 Earle Brown Drive; Brooklyn Center; Minnesota 55430.

There is plenty of free parking available.

For questions reach out to our conference planning team via email at health.immconf@state.mn.us.