The National Influenza Vaccination Disparities Partnership (NIVDP) is a national multi-sector campaign, spearheaded by local influential partners who commit to promote the importance of flu vaccination among underserved populations. The partnership is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and has worked in 95 cities throughout the United States. Immunize Nevada has been working with NIVDP since its inception.

As part of National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) December 6-12, the NIVDP is hosting local events across the U.S. to honor flu heroes and support flu vaccine efforts. Las Vegas has been chosen for one of their events, and we are honored and excited to be collaborating on a media press event, as well as a community clinic. 

Aside from his duties as Director of Community Relations at Desert View Hospital, Assemblyman Oscarson also sits on the board for the Nye Communities Coalition and is a committee chairman for the Career and Technical Committee for Pahrump Valley High School. He was also elected to serve as Chairman on the Legislative Committee on Prison Industries, and previously served on the board for the Southern Nevada Immunization Coalition.

As an Assemblyman, James serves as the chair of the Health and Human Services Committee and is an acting member of the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Mining Committee as well as the Ways and Means Committee.

Assemblyman Oscarson and his wife, Rebecca have resided in Pahrump, Las Vegas and Logandale, and have three children, and six grandchildren.

Why he’s a Flu Hero: For his efforts to provide access to flu vaccinations for the citizens of rural communities in district 36.

Why Assemblyman James Oscarson is passionate about the flu vaccine: “Influenza is a serious disease that effects many Nevadans of all ages. The reason I'm passionate about the flu vaccine is because it is one way we can truly help our community and improve Nevadans health and quality of life, with real results. Overall, as a State Assemblyman, my main focus is the overall well-being of Nevada families, and the flu vaccine is one of many way we can continue to protect and combat illness at every socioeconomic level, and strengthen Nevada families.”

Joyce Goedeke is the Vice President of Marketing/Public Relations at Southern Hills Hospital, overseeing strategic marketing, media, public and community relations and various other areas.

She joined Southern Hills Hospital in 2011 and has implemented community programs and events that have positively affected and raised funds for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Search and Rescue Volunteer Team, Clark County School District (CCSD) schools and The Public Education Foundation. Prior to Southern Hills Hospital, Goedeke was a Public Information Officer for CCSD, the fifth largest school district in the nation.

Goedeke graduated from the University of Washington (UW) with a Bachelor of Arts degree double-majoring in Broadcast Communications and Political Science with a concentration in International Studies. Goedeke is married to her high school sweetheart and loves spending time with her husband and children.

Why she’s a Flu Hero: For her leadership on the Immunize Nevada flu taskforce and for hosting a flu clinic at the Southern Hills Annual Balloon Festival.

Why Joyce Goedeke is passionate about the flu vaccine: “It's a simple formula: A healthy community contributes to a happy community. I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to encourage and promote healthy habits like getting an annual flu vaccine. Please stay well, Southern Nevada!”

Melissa Shake has been calling Las Vegas home for over 30 years.  She graduated from University of Southern Nevada (now Roseman University) with a Doctorate in Pharmacy and has been working for Walgreens ever since. She has been an immunizations trainer with Walgreens since 2006, certifying pharmacists in immunization administration and organizing immunization activities.  Besides spending time on vaccination efforts, she loves being with her husband, Matt, and her two young boys, Austin and Maxi.

Why she’s a Flu Hero: For her leadership on the Immunize Nevada flu taskforce and her dedication to meeting the community need for flu protection by coordinating free flu vaccinations across southern Nevada through Walgreens national flu vaccine voucher program.

Why Melissa Shake is passionate about the flu vaccine: “I believe in having a strong sense of community. One of the best community-oriented things people can do is get a flu shot to help protect not only themselves but also everyone else around them.”

Why she’s a Flu Hero: For her sponsorship of the 2015-16 Nevada flu campaign by donating innovative wall clings for the Immunize Nevada flu campaign.

Why Tavia Campbell is passionate about the flu vaccine: “I am passionate about the flu vaccine, because it is something that we can all do to ensure not only our own health, but the health of our entire community.”

Immunize Nevada advocates for and educates about the benefits of vaccines and fosters statewide collaboration to achieve Nevada’s health priorities. Immunize Nevada’s vision is for healthy communities across Nevada being protected from vaccine-preventable disease. For more information, visit ImmunizeNevada.org.