Pediatric Vaccination Coverage Level

The Pediatric Vaccination Coverage Level Grant, issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), is a strategic funding initiative aimed at increasing pediatric immunization rates and addressing persistent disparities in vaccine access and confidence across the state. This grant supports efforts to promote the uptake of recommended childhood and adolescent vaccines through a multi-faceted approach that includes community engagement, provider outreach, and public awareness campaigns. The program is driven by concerning trends following the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly disrupted vaccination efforts and led to heightened vaccine hesitancy, a rise in exemption requests, and diminished confidence in immunizations. This grant aims to reverse these declines by funding projects that boost vaccine confidence and coverage, especially in underserved and high-need communities across Illinois. The initiative specifically targets geographic clusters outside of Chicago where vaccination rates are low, exemption rates are high, or outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases are more frequent. Grantees are expected to focus on routine childhood vaccines such as influenza, COVID-19, RSV for infants and pregnant individuals, HPV for ages 9–12, and Hepatitis B from birth to age 18. Additionally, grantees are tasked with promoting science-based immunization practices and fostering birthing hospital participation in publicly funded programs like Vaccines for Children (VFC). Funded projects must conduct outreach and engagement within four identified community clusters. Activities should include developing school-based surveys to understand vaccine exemptions and latency, enrolling providers in immunization systems, building partnerships with community stakeholders, and launching media campaigns to counter misinformation and promote vaccine safety. Local Health Departments are also expected to disseminate surveys to identify barriers stemming from policy or funding shifts. Materials developed with grant funds must receive IDPH approval and must credit the Office of Health Protection. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and governmental agencies with experience in community health or public health education. Applicants must be in good standing with federal and state systems, including SAM.gov and the Illinois Secretary of State. Indirect costs are allowed using the de minimis rate of 15% or a negotiated rate. The grant does not require cost-sharing or matching funds. Projects are funded by state general revenue, with total funding anticipated at $800,000 and awards ranging from $75,000 to $100,000 per region, distributed across seven regions statewide. Applications must be submitted through the EUNA Grants portal between April 1 and May 1, 2026, with submissions due by 4:59 PM ET on the closing date. A non-mandatory technical assistance session is scheduled for April 8, 2026. Evaluation of submissions will be conducted by reviewer teams using a merit-based scoring system. Criteria include grant history, work plan alignment, scope of work, budget detail, and capacity to meet program goals. Awards will be announced by June 15, 2026, and the grant performance period will run from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The primary contact for the grant is Spenser Morrissey, who can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 217-685-4833. The full application and required forms are available via the Amplifund portal. No pre-application such as a Letter of Intent is required. Applicants should prepare a comprehensive narrative, budget, and supporting documentation as outlined in the portal.

Emphasize SMART objectives and community engagement. Clear targeting and evidence-based planning improve scoring.