Sallie Dean doesn’t remember the first time she heard it, but years ago someone dubbed her “Sallie Dean the Vaccine Queen,” and it stuck. After more than three decades vaccinating Oregonians of all ages against some of the world’s most contagious diseases, her title is well-deserved.
The Association of Immunization Managers (AIM) agreed, naming Dean Oregon’s 2024 Immunization Champion. The annual award is given jointly by AIM and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and it honors one individual from each state who goes above and beyond to promote immunizations in their communities.
Dean was nominated by her coworkers at Aviva Health in Roseburg, where Dean is the vaccine manager. They praised Dean for dedicating her professional career “to ensuring children and families in the area receive life-saving vaccinations.”
Although proud of her 24 years at Aviva Health, Dean doesn’t seem all that impressed with herself.
“I don’t think I do anything special that anybody else doesn’t do,” Dean said, surprised and humbled after receiving the award.
But Dean’s role is special.
Despite working at a small nonprofit community health center, Dean and her team play an enormous role in the region. That’s because, starting in 2015, the Douglas County health department’s budget shortfalls forced it to farm out its vaccination services to Aviva Health. When that happened, Dean led the effort to create a dedicated vaccination clinic at their main Roseburg facility. She then coordinated with their mobile team to hit the road and vaccinate people in distant rural communities.
And during the pandemic, Aviva Health was responsible for all COVID-19 vaccine distribution throughout the county (including some distribution to neighboring Coos and Curry counties)—a tall order for the fifth-largest county in the state by area (5,000+ square miles). It makes it all the more impressive that Douglas County was one of the speediest Oregon counties when it came to vaccinating eligible people against COVID-19, passing the 50% mark only four months after the vaccine became available.
Spreading vaccine positivity
Dean’s coworkers also credit her for “working tirelessly to educate the community on the importance of vaccinations and combat misinformation about their safety.”
When it comes to people who are unwilling to get vaccinated, Dean’s strategy is to “approach them where they’re at.” That means first learning why they feel that way before trying to convince them otherwise. She’ll ask them where they heard or read something, or if they or a family member had a bad experience, for example.
“It’s called motivational interviewing,” Dean said. “And don’t preach. If we start preaching, they’re gonna turn right off.”
The current measles outbreak in Oregon is a good example, Dean said, because it’s times like these when more people want to ask about vaccines, their safety, and maybe something they read online that gives them pause. It gives Dean an opportunity to educate and sooth fears without judgement.
Also, this month—August—is “sports physical season,” when student athletes need physicals before the school year starts. Aviva Health staff travel to the different school districts and host clinics for students needing physicals or vaccines.
“Just being there to answer any and all questions students and their families may have about vaccines is so important,” Dean said. “And people know they can call me any time. Even the other clinics around town—they have my number and can call me whenever. I don’t mind sharing. I want to help create a community that has a positive outlook on vaccines.”
Admittedly, it may be harder for the children Dean vaccinates to agree.
“I was at Fred Meyer one time, and I heard this little voice go, ‘Mom, look! It’s the pokey lady!’”
Although kids can be reluctant to thank her, parents—especially those without insurance—are always appreciative. It makes jabbing people for a living anything but a thankless job.
“The moment they realize that they qualify for the Vaccines for Children program, and I can give their children their vaccines for no out-of-pocket costs, moms will say, ‘Are you sure we don’t owe you money? You’re gonna catch my child up for free?’” Dean said. “That’s a lot for parents that are struggling to pay the bills and put food on the table.”
Click here to read more about Sallie Dean and the 2024 AIM Champions from all 50 states.