School of Nursing expands mobile vaccine initiative to reach underserved children across WNY

The School of Nursing has partnered with Buffalo Public Schools for the second consecutive year to implement the Mobile Vaccine Initiative (M-VAX), a community health program designed to improve childhood vaccination rates.

With funding from the New York Health Foundation, the M-VAX program brings school-  required vaccines directly to children in the Buffalo Public Schools and to community based sites across Western New York. This program prevents children from being excluded from school for lack of state required vaccinations so they are ready to learn and remain healthy.

“This grant reinforces the essential role of nurses critical to advance health equity and strengthen the health of our children in their communities,” says Annette Wysocki, dean of the School of Nursing. “Using scientific evidence, clinical expertise and community partnerships, nurses identify barriers to care and create evidence-based solutions that improve outcomes. The M-VAX initiative embodies that commitment.”

Vaccination for children is more important than ever this year as measles cases have surged to over 3,300 across 47 jurisdictions and are at one of the highest levels seen in decades. This initiative will bring vaccines directly into communities where families live and gather, reducing barriers to care, supporting children’s health and helping more students stay in school.

“At a time when vaccine access has become a challenge for many families, the School of Nursing is doing its part to maintain public health integrity by delivering vaccines in the community,” says Cindy Sickora, clinical professor and director of faculty practice initiatives in the UB School of Nursing.

“This unique model provides nursing students with the opportunity to actively participate in this crucial public health effort while providing a critically needed service to the community,” she adds. “Every child deserves a fair chance to grow up healthy.”

The M-VAX program held its first clinic at the Lafayette School in the Buffalo Public School district, treating 90 children and administering 192 vaccines, and another one Sept. 17 at West Hertel Academy. Additional clinics will be held Sept. 24 at the East Community High School, Oct. 1 at Bennett High School and Oct. 15 at Waterfront Elementary School. 

Building on previous momentum, the expanded M-VAX program will deploy mobile clinical teams to rural and urban schools, libraries, recreation centers, churches and other trusted community locations. The goal is to reach 1,500 children during the funding cycle and reduce the number of students excluded from school for vaccine noncompliance to 5% by September 2027.

This initiative was developed with support from the Erie County Department of Health and community partners to promote health and wellness throughout the community.

The program also aims to increase early childhood vaccine compliance above 75% within one year.

Vaccine access has become increasingly challenging for families with limited resources. Erie County has seen a decline in the number of Vaccines for Children (VFC) providers, clinicians who administer federally funded vaccines to Medicaid-insured and uninsured children. As a result, families that rely on the program often face long waits, transportation barriers and limited availability of appointments.

The initiative also provides vital experiential learning opportunities for UB nursing students, who gain hands-on clinical experience in both rural and urban settings. Working alongside faculty and community partners, students strengthen their skills in population health, community engagement and culturally responsive care.

Recognizing that vaccine hesitancy remains a significant public health challenge, the project has convened a regional community advisory board on childhood vaccination. The board, comprised of parents, educators, faith leaders and public health professionals, guides outreach efforts, addresses misinformation, and promotes trust through meaningful dialogue.

Outcomes are be tracked through the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS) and through collaborations with managed care organizations, school systems and the state VFC director. Findings are being shared nationally through publications and presentations to advance equitable vaccine access across the country.

The New York Health Foundation is funding this expansion with a $167,000 grant.