Immunize.org, previously known as the Immunization Action Coalition, has long been recognized for our commitment to safe and effective vaccination services. Learn more about our organization and our founder’s work in a 2020 documentary hosted by Sam Waterston for PBS and a 1995 video about our first years.

Protecting Health: Saving Lives

Protecting Health: Saving Lives aired on more than 100 local PBS stations as part of a 2020–21 series highlighting the rarely told stories of nonprofit organizations around the world that are working to make a positive difference in their community and beyond.?

The 28-minute film was produced by Jody Santos for Visionaries, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to producing and distributing media that inspires action for positive social change. 

Visionaries selected Immunize.org (then known as the Immunization Action Coalition) to be one of 12 featured stories offered to public television stations during its 24th season. 

Hosted by Sam Waterston, the film highlights three decades of our work carried out by an extraordinary staff of national experts and led by our founder and now-retired executive director Dr. Deborah Wexler. Beginning during our nation’s 1989–90 measles epidemic, the film shares Dr. Wexler’s story and personal commitment to increasing immunization rates and enhancing the delivery of safe and effective vaccination services. 

The film was shot over five days in February 2020 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Within a month of filming, the world was faced with the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, and now, our work is more important than ever.

Key Moments

The Immunization Action Coalition

This short 1995 film captures some highlights of our organization (then known as the Immunization Action Coalition) during its early years.